Josef Pleskot was named Architect of the Year for the science center in Ostrava

Prague - The Architect of the Year award was today given to Josef Pleskot for the design of the World of Technology in Ostrava, which is part of the revitalization project of the Vítkovice Ironworks complex. The award evaluates the extraordinary contribution to architecture over the past five years and is presented during the FOR ARCH construction fair. Pleskot received the award today at a gala evening in the National House in Vinohrady.
"It is an honorary title awarded annually to a personality who has distinguished themselves or distinguished themselves long-term in the field of architecture and who significantly contributes to its good name. It is an exceptional and unique award in our country. It wonderfully complements the mosaic of other awards for architectural achievements or lifetime work," said the chairman of the jury, Zdeněk Fránek. Joining him on the jury were Antonín Novák (Architects D.R.N.H.), Michal Kohout (UNIT architects), Regina Loukotová (GEM architects), and Osamu Okamura.
"We awarded the prize for a continuing series of architectural realizations that belong to the industry’s top of what is being created in the Czech Republic. This year, in particular, for the unique revitalization of the post-industrial district of the Lower Vítkovice area," the jury stated.
The proposed center aims to enhance the prestige of science and research among the public, change the approach to technical fields, and make them more accessible to the public. The building is set on a triangular floor plan with a rounded right-angled corner and features a 125-meter-long and 12.5-meter-high mirror main facade. It will be ceremonially opened on September 26. Other works by Pleskot known to the wider public include the town hall in Benešov, the Palmovka-Park office building in Prague Libeň, and the multifunctional hall Gong in Ostrava.
Other finalists for this year's Architect of the Year award included Adam Gebrian for the popularization of architecture, Petr Hájek for the Krkonošské Center for Environmental Education in Vrchlabí, Martin Rajniš for the Architecture Workshop exhibition at the DOX Center for Contemporary Art in Prague, and Pavla Melková for the Manual for the Creation of Public Spaces in the capital city of Prague.
The Grand Prix of Architects organized by the Union of Architects is considered the most significant domestic award in the field of architecture. However, especially younger architects have recently criticized the union, claiming it fails to fulfill its mission and that the prestige of its activities is declining.