In Litomyšl, where every detail of the public space is weighed against the town's historical heritage, we managed to arrange the installation of a PPL pickup and drop-off box right inside the buffer zone of a cultural monument inscribed on the UNESCO list. Even here, logistics can work sensitively, practically and with respect for the place.
An exceptional place calls for strict rules
Litomyšl is one of the most important historical towns in the Czech Republic and its centre is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. That is precisely why very strict rules apply to the siting of any new structures in the public space, parcel boxes included. The town requires every element of the public space to fit into the urban and architectural context.
A PPL box at Lidl that respects its surroundings
Our PPL box stands by the Lidl supermarket on Sokolovská Street, right next to a listed Baroque granary that was once part of the former manor farm „Pernštýn“. The location is no accident: the Lidl store here was built following an architectural competition and its building is designed with an emphasis on aesthetics – wooden louvres, a green roof and minimal advertising surfaces. In this setting the PPL parcel box fits in naturally and does not disturb the view.
Thanks to its discreet grey wrap and its position against the wall behind a wooden screen, the box does not disrupt the composition of the site. On the contrary, it adds to the function of a location that is busy and easily accessible for local residents.
Dialogue, cooperation, respect
The final siting of the box was preceded by open cooperation between PPL, the town of Litomyšl, the supermarket operator and the project designers. It was important to reach agreement that a parcel box can benefit both residents and visitors without disturbing the town's historical context.
“In historic Litomyšl nothing is left to chance – every detail of the public space undergoes careful assessment. That makes us all the more pleased to have been able to place a PPL parcel box right inside the UNESCO buffer zone. It shows that modern logistics and cultural heritage can complement each other when the design goes hand in hand with dialogue and a sensitive approach,” says Michaela Machovcová, manager for the development of the PPL pickup and drop-off point network.
Did you spot it? The box blends elegantly into the exterior of the Lidl store. Photograph by Jiří Šebek (website).
A route to more sustainable transport and services
Even in such a sensitive environment it makes sense to support delivery to parcel boxes. This way of delivering shipments reduces traffic in the town centre, lets people collect their shipments at any time and saves both energy and money. Litomyšl is proof that smart logistics need not come at the expense of cultural heritage. As long as it is designed thoughtfully and with dignity.
With respect for the place and the rules
We install every PPL box sensibly and according to clearly defined rules that make sense to us and to all parties involved. We believe boxes must be sited with careful consideration – with respect for the surrounding space, local residents, our customers, technical infrastructure and the history of the location. At PPL we stick to the principle of „quality over quantity“ and take all of these aspects into account. That is also why we have published our Principles for siting PPL boxes, which we have followed strictly for a number of years.
We believe that considerate delivery has its place not only where visual aesthetics and a meaningful public space are a priority. Would you like a PPL box in your municipality or on your property? Write to us!