(Un)fulfilled Ambitions - Publication Launch at FA ČVUT

The latest publication by editors Petr Vorlík and Hubert Guzik from the Institute of Theory and History of Architecture at the Faculty of Architecture, Czech Technical University, concludes the extensive project Architecture of the Eighties. Following the books a(typ), Unbuilt, Interviews, and Improvisation, the Ambitions focus on the functioning of society, construction, and architectural practice. The presentation of the book, associated with a screening of period documents and a discussion with experts, will take place on March 9 at 6 PM at the Faculty of Architecture, Czech Technical University in Prague.

The authors present key processes in the architecture of the eighties and the circumstances of their (non)fulfillment in reality across twelve chapters. During this time, disillusionment with the construction of large housing estates peaked, and discussions took place regarding the future of panel construction, which condemned the peripheries to the role of mere night shelters. Combined with an extremely polluted environment and deteriorating historical centers, the results of socialist management primarily left a sense of general frustration.

“Architects rightly felt isolated in their effort to achieve aesthetically strong and socially beneficial architecture. The desire to offer an alternative to the utilitarianism of socialist construction and to oppose the prevailing tendencies of older generations led young architects to establish associations, organize exhibitions, lectures, and public discussions, and to formulate visions and critiques of contemporary construction. All these activities in the eighties shaped a fertile unofficial architectural scene,” adds book editor Petr Vorlík.

Together with Tereza Pokorná, in the chapter “The Unofficial Scene, a Path to Freedom and Plurality”, they describe the circumstances surrounding the formation of the group Golden Eagles, founded by the youngest architectural generation in 1989: In Žižkov, wide-scale demolitions were taking place, while Karel Prager was building his bank in Smíchov and wanted to go much further. The Golden Eagles felt the urge to define themselves and opted for a harsh gesture – at the opening of Prager's exhibition, they brought “a serious, decent wreath with the inscription Last Goodbye, Sleep Sweetly or Farewell, purchased in Olšany.” With youthful audacity and courage, they expressed their wish for Prager not to continue with his – in their opinion, ruthlessly against the city – projects.

Part of the book presentation will be a debate featuring Petr Kratochvíl, Ladislav Lábus, and Milena Vitoulová. This will be followed by screenings of archival documents: How Children Live in Housing Estates (1985), Young People’s Television Club (1988), and Completion of the Old Town Hall – A Public Matter (1988).

The book Ambitions was created as the fifth and final part of the Architecture of the Eighties project in the Czech Republic under the National Cultural Identity II program of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic. The authors of the texts are Lukáš Beran, Klára Brůhová, Alex Bykov, Matúš Dulla, Martin Franc, Hubert Guzik, Karolina Jirkalová, Matyáš Kracík, Lenka Kužvartová, Lucia Mlynčeková, Miroslav Pavel, Tereza Pokorná, Petr Roubal, Pavla Savická, Klára Ullmannová, Veronika Vicherková, Petr Vorlík, and Jan Zikmund. The series is complemented by the website architektura80.cz, where full versions of the books and individual creators and buildings can be found on an interactive map.