The architecture will offer nearly 300 events, recalling Plečnik and Šrámková

Prague – Architectural gems and forgotten buildings, houses that have come to life again thanks to renovations, the work of Josip Plečnik and his followers, or environmentally friendly buildings will be presented from September 30 to October 6 at the Architecture Day festival. This year, it will reach over a hundred cities and towns in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, offering almost 300 free tours of usually inaccessible buildings, guided walks, lectures, workshops, and activities for children. Silvie Marková informed CTK on behalf of the organizers.

The motto of the 12th edition of the festival is "Don't demolish, transform!", focusing largely on the ecological, economic, and ethical dimensions of architecture and construction. The program will showcase, for example, the transformation of a factory into a cultural center, student cafeterias into galleries, neighborhood kindergartens into modern language schools, panel houses into modern housing, or the renovation of historical buildings with elements of modern architecture.

"Not only during the Architecture Day do we long-term observe the theme of sustainability in architecture, which is related to this year's main festival section as well as another festival line dedicated to green architecture. One of the paths to sustainability for us includes the renovation of buildings and a shift away from demolishing the legacy of the 20th century. Across the republic, we are witnessing the erasure of the memory of this period, whose replacement brings no greater value. We are convinced that quality reconstruction or revitalization can be a greater benefit not only for the investor but also for the public," stated the founder and director of Architecture Day, Marcela Steinbachová.

Another festival section is a Tribute to Josip Plečnik, whose 150th birthday is celebrated this year. The program will not only explore his realizations in Prague but will also highlight the work of his followers and colleagues in Brno, Zlín, and Olomouc. The festival will also pay tribute across the country to Czech architect Alena Šrámková, who passed away this year at the age of 92. Her projects will be presented in Cheb, Přerov, Prague, and Černošice.

In the festival's further program, both contemporary buildings and 20th-century architecture will be showcased, and in some locations, it will delve even deeper into history. It will invite those interested to explore waterworks, industrial and sacred buildings, functionalist structures, and the latest buildings constructed with an emphasis on the environment.

Those interested in both well-known and lesser-known architecture can venture out not only on foot but also by bike, always accompanied by expert commentary. The main venue of the festival will be Prague, but a rich program is also available in Brno, Ostrava, Opava, Zlín, Olomouc, and dozens of other cities.