The architecture of Jiřičná is distinctive and feminine

Prague - The architecture and design of Eva Jiřičná, one of the Czech emigrants who managed to succeed on the world stage, are, according to her colleagues, primarily original. They highlight her sense of aesthetics, which is combined with technical knowledge. Her collaborators also appreciate Eva Jiřičná as a determined, diplomatic, and noble lady. On Tuesday, one of the most well-known architects of today will celebrate her 70th birthday.
    "I know from personal experience and also from the experiences of my parents that emigration is no bed of roses. That is also why only a small percentage of emigrants completely cope with the insurmountable challenges of emigration. With this awareness, I have always been very pleased to listen to Eva Jiřičná as she spoke with such passion about her work, which helped her overcome all personal and professional conflicts," said architect Vlado Milunič to ČTK.
    The interiors of the Dancing House in Prague, which Milunič built with the famous Frank Gehry, were among the first realizations by Eva Jiřičná in her homeland after 1989. Like Jiřičná, both Milunič and Gehry were born under the sign of Pisces - Milunič also celebrates his birthday on March 3rd, and Gehry celebrated his eightieth birthday on February 28th.
    "The Dancing House is a magical story, where Eva did not accidentally design the interiors of three floors, which, although entirely different, and as is standard for Pisces, communicate intensely with the idea of the entire building." According to him, Jiřičná has created her unmistakable feminine style, which is particularly difficult given the current global competition.
    In addition to the Dancing House, the Orangery at Prague Castle, and Hotel Josef, which are the most famous works of Eva Jiřičná in the country, she is also known for her role in the jury selecting the design for the new building of the National Library. Jiřičná chaired the jury, although she received criticism for being an ex-partner of the later winner of the competition, Jan Kaplický, which some claimed made her biased. However, she had only one vote out of eight, and the jury unanimously selected the Future Systems proposal, including representatives of the Czech state and the city of Prague.
    The jury also included architect Petr Bílek, former president of the Czech Chamber of Architects. "I send my congratulations to an inspiring, fearless, determined, exemplary, talented, diplomatic, warm, systematic, welcoming, joyful, kind, noble, beautiful, rare lady," he sent a message to the birthday girl.
    Jiřičná has the Order of the British Empire, several honorary doctorates, awards from the American Association of Architects, and is a member of three royal academies. She also passes on her rich experience to young architects. Until last year, she led one of the architecture studios at the Prague AA College of Applied Arts. She chose graduate Vendula Hladíková to her London studio, where the young architect spent two years after her studies (2004 to 2005).
    Her stay in London opened up greater opportunities, she encountered various opinions on architecture, and got to know the work of Eva Jiřičná even closer. "Her work is unique in terms of aesthetics and craftsmanship, and it reflects her personality. It has significantly influenced me not only through her creations but mainly through her thinking and actions," Hladíková said to ČTK.
    In the studio, she had the opportunity to observe solutions to various problems. "Thanks to her diligence, thoroughness, and extensive professional experience, she was able to solve even the most challenging problems quickly and elegantly," describes the work of the experienced colleague and teacher. Jiřičná, according to Hladíková, possesses encyclopedic knowledge of individual architectural disciplines. "For example, she knew more about lighting a simple display case than any expert, and she could therefore determine the type of lighting, dim its intensity, and even redesign the light fixture to ensure it was in harmony with the overall design of the interior,” she stated.