The architect Eva Jiřičná received the British Jane Drew Prize

London - Czech architect Eva Jiřičná has received this year's Jane Drew Award in the UK for her outstanding contribution to the status of women in architecture. The decision of the jury, which speaks of Jiřičná's extraordinary influence in the field, was unanimous. This was reported today by the British professional journal Architects Journal on its website.
     A jury member and last year's award winner Zaha Hadid stated that Jiřičná "redefined the idea of retail" when she designed the flagship store for the fashion brand Joseph in 1988. She also highlighted her willingness to advise in the field not only to students but also to her colleagues.
     "If you walk into any Apple store today, you'll ultimately find that everyone started with Eva," added another juror, Ivan Harbour.
     Jiřičná is known, for example, for her design of glass and steel staircases. She accepted the award with "humility." The award is named after the British architect from the so-called modernist school. Drew passed away in 1996.
     "Jane Drew was one of my main heroines. With the passage of time, you appreciate what these women achieved and how brave they were. Jane Drew was one of these women. She was a pioneer," Jiřičná responded, who herself was a juror at the first awarding of these prizes in 1998.
     Jiřičná is set to personally receive the award at the Langham Hotel in London on March 22.