Repríza výstavy NEW FACE OF PRAGUE

FOR ARCH
19th International Construction Fair
Exhibition Grounds Letňany, Prague

curators/
Dan Merta, Klára Pučerová

graphics/
Robert V. Novák, Tomáš Brichcín

texts/
Dan Merta, Klára Pučerová, Petr Pištěk, Dominik Herzán

duration of the exhibition/
23/9-27/9/08

under the auspices of/
Markéta Reedová, Deputy Mayor of the Capital City of Prague
Milan Jančík, Mayor of Prague 5
Michal Tuček, Councilor of Prague 5

co-organizer/
Prague 1

supported by/
Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic
Capital City of Prague
Prague 5 District
Czech Centers
Czech Architecture Foundation

general partner/
ING Real Estate Development

main partners/
Canon
Passerinvest Group

partners/
Real Estate Karlín Group
PSJ
ECM
Café Emporio
Zumtobel
J&T Real Estate CZ
Central Park Prague
Barrisol
Dynamo
AFI EUROPE Czech Republic

media partners/
Architect, e-Architect, Archiweb, Project, ASB, Respekt, Estate, Radio 1

Since the early 1990s, Prague has become one of the most important European metropolises, with its tourism comparable to global standards. The dynamics of development are continuously increasing, as demonstrated by the recent Architecture Biennale in Venice, which focuses on urbanism and the uncontrolled development of world metropolises. According to one of the studies, Prague is among the world metropolises expecting one of the largest growths. It is, of course, a question of how this development will unfold and in what direction, whether positively in accordance with the needs of the city's residents or merely with developers' ambitions. Prague is still evolving, new projects are continuously emerging; however, the question remains how high in quality they are. The quality of contemporary architecture can be viewed subjectively, but it should be noted that the standard is rising, and Prague is approaching the standard of European development, especially in the area of residential complexes.
The exhibition prepared by the Jaroslav Fragner Gallery (the gallery will be under reconstruction during the summer holidays) will showcase over fifty of the most interesting and significant realizations or projects that have arisen in Prague over the past twenty years. In addition to today’s architectural icons, such as the Dancing House, Golden Angel, passage through Jelení Příkop, Orangerie at Prague Castle, Langhans, or Euro Palace at Můstka, buildings or projects that are qualitatively unique, yet not as media-known to the general public, will also be presented. Visitors will also become acquainted with newer realizations, constructions currently being created, or visions offering possibilities of how the Czech metropolis could transform.
The selection of buildings is based on typology, with an average of five buildings presented in each of the ten themes. Thus, visitors will become familiar with the entire range of realizations, from those closer to them (family homes, residential complexes) to buildings influencing the character of the city and life within it (administrative buildings, hotels, renovations, public buildings, interiors). Another appealing theme will be projects concerning the future of Prague, development projects, revitalizations in several city parts, or areas focusing on "green" projects at the level of family homes as well as extensive areas including publicly accessible parks.
The aim is not only to appeal to experts but primarily to the wider public in the Czech Republic and, in the following three years, abroad; to present the contemporary architecture of Prague as a whole, a selection of the most significant buildings that have significantly influenced its present character and architectural level. For this reason, the exhibition is introduced with a brief overview of significant buildings that were erected in Prague throughout the twentieth century. A colorful Czech-English publication has been published for the exhibition, whose launch took place on August 20, 2008, at the Classic 7 venue in Holešovice, alongside the exhibited realization. The catalog also contains introductory essays introducing the history of Prague architecture as well as current works and an overview of the exhibiting architects.

DURING THE FAIR, THE CATALOG WILL BE SOLD AT A SPECIAL PRICE OF 350 CZK!