Architect Eva Jiřičná has received the City of Zlín Award

Zlín – Architect Eva Jiřičná today received the City of Zlín Award for 2018. Jiřičná is a native of Zlín. She was awarded for her lifelong work in the field of architecture and for her lifelong promotion of the good name of her birthplace. "I never realized how important one's birthplace is in a person's life," Jiřičná told reporters today.

"I grew up proud to have been born in Zlín because my father began his career here as a young architect and throughout his life told me how significant Zlín and its atmosphere, as well as its approach to modern architecture, were as a historical achievement," Jiřičná stated, saying that she never imagined she would return to Zlín and work there.

Jiřičná is the author of the Zlín Congress and University Center and also designed the Educational Complex of Zlín University. Today, Jiřičná reminisced about the challenges encountered during the construction of these buildings, such as solving the acoustics in the congress center, which is also used by the Zlín Philharmonic.

"No one could guarantee that it would work. We constantly tested samples, we made 82 samples of acoustic cladding, and the chances were fifty-fifty," the architect stated, emphasizing that teamwork and collaboration with people on-site are always important. "I tell my students that it is not only important for an architect to communicate with clients and collaborators but also with the people who weld beams on the roof in the rain and cold. Those are the people who ultimately deliver the work that the architect draws," Jiřičná mentioned, noting that "golden Czech hands" still function, helping in critical situations.

The architect praised the changing appearance of Zlín, such as the recent reconstruction of the department store and its surroundings. "I am pleased with every improvement; I cannot say whether the city needs schools or kindergartens. But even new sidewalks or any garden modifications, everything that enhances the character of the city is a commendable activity," Jiřičná said, adding that she often mentions Zlín in her lectures abroad.

Jiřičná, who celebrated her 80th birthday a month ago, lived in Zlín for only a few years before moving with her family. Today, she reflected on her family and Zlín as she experienced it, looking at photographs from her early childhood. For instance, the fur coat made of rabbit skins that she wore, walks with her parents, or trips to the surroundings.

Jiřičná studied architecture at ČVUT in 1962 and continued her postgraduate studies in architecture at the Academy of Art. Since 1968, she has been working abroad, primarily in Britain. Among her significant projects are the Canada Water bus terminal in London, the entrance and reception of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the interior of the insurance company Lloyd's building in London, and the flagship store of the fashion brand Joseph, which she designed in 1988. In the Czech Republic, the orangery at Prague Castle was built according to her design.