The exhibition in Velké Meziříčí showcases buildings aspiring for an architecture award

photo: Petr Velička

Velké Meziříčí - The exhibition that began today in Velké Meziříčí presents buildings aspiring for this year's Czech Architecture Award. Among the three dozen works nominated by the international jury for the final selection of the competition is a footbridge to Farská humna park in Žďár nad Sázavou from the Vysočina region. The exhibition panels with photographs will remain on the main square in Velké Meziříčí under the linden trees until October 17. Today, the European Philosophy Festival also begins in the city.

The national competition showcase, the Czech Architecture Award, is organized by the Czech Chamber of Architects (ČKA). "Several foreign experts will come here to form an independent jury, and we do not interfere at all. This makes the showcase unique in the Czech lands," said David Hlouch, vice chairman of ČKA, in Velké Meziříčí. He added that the showcase is gradually gaining popularity. "The popularity largely relies on the fact that we try to ensure it is presented in the regions," he stated.

The opening on the square was among the first accompanying events of the philosophy festival, which Velké Meziříčí is hosting for the fifteenth time this year. The main festival program focused on science and art will start on September 2. Among the two dozen personalities who will participate in the lecture blocks at the Jupiter club until September 10 are astrophysicist Jiří Grygar, space photographer Petr Horálek, and composer, scientist, and educator Miloš Štědroň.

Sunday, September 5, will be dedicated to science and architecture. "We will be able to welcome very significant architects, including the winner of the Czech Architecture Award 2020, Štěpán Valouch," said city councilor Petr Velička (The Right Meziříčí), who also works at ČKA.

According to the event organizers' website, 170 projects were submitted for the Czech Architecture Award 2021. The sixth edition of the competition showcase will announce the main award holder at a gala evening in Forum Karlín on November 11.

The design of the nominated footbridge over the Sázava in Žďár nad Sázavou was created by architects from the Refuel studio, Zbyněk Ryška and Jan Skoupý. The approximately 30-meter-long bridge is intended for pedestrians and cyclists. The builders installed the metal structure there last May, complemented by railings with wooden elements. According to media reports, canoeists complained that it was difficult to navigate under the bridge. The city hall stated that the contractor deviated from the project at the railing attachment and had the defect repaired.