Debate: Does Ostrava Need Architectural Competitions?

Patronage of the project: The project is held under the patronage of the Mayor of the City of Ostrava, Petr Kajnar
Project Moderator: Kateřina Huberová – moderator of the show Good Morning – Czech Television

Debate Guests:
Zdeněk Bendík – Chief Architect of Opava, Office of the Chief Architect of Opava
Ludvík Grym – Chairman of the Competition Group of the Czech Chamber of Architects Brno
Milena Vitoulová – Regional Representative of the Czech Chamber of Architects Ostrava
Cyril Vltavský – Head of the Office of the Chief Architect Ostrava
Lukáš Ženatý – Deputy Mayor of the City of Ostrava

What will the debate focus on?
The theme of the next debate in the series that aims to map important topics, especially relating to architecture and the development of the city of Ostrava, will be architectural competitions. Visitors should gain information about what an architectural competition is, whether there are any currently ongoing in Ostrava and its surroundings, what experiences the city of Ostrava and other cities (e.g., Opava, Brno, Prague) have with architectural competitions, what they are good for, whether extraordinary architectural landmarks are planned for construction in Ostrava in the future, and similar topics.

Information about the project
The series of debates continues our activities from previous years when the discussion evenings received extraordinary attention from citizens and the professional public. The discussion evenings have high attendance and are positively reflected upon not only by the public but also by professionals and the media.

The goal of the project is to actively involve citizens of all age groups in the events of the city through discussions with experts and representatives of local government. The discussions aim to familiarize citizens with current topics and problems of the city, with visions, projects, and issues associated with the present and future of the city. The objective is to inform the public about the monuments and issues of Ostrava, about new phenomena, as well as to provide an opportunity to discuss with experts from Ostrava and other regions, and with representatives of local government in an informal setting. These debates should also help deepen citizens' interest and knowledge not only about events in Ostrava but also on a general level.

Who is the project intended for?
The project aims to reach a wide spectrum of the public from primary and secondary schools to the general public, professionals, and seniors. Attendance at the debates regularly ranges from 50 to 150 people. The cultural activities of our space have already gained a very good reputation and especially a loyal audience, which spreads from students to seniors. The accessibility of our events to all interested parties is also guaranteed by the fact that all events are available FREE of charge.

Justification, expected benefits of the project
The benefit of the project is an unconventional approach to education and active public involvement through discussions in the intimate environment of the Fiducia club, the opportunity to present projects, visions, and opinions of representatives of the Statutory City of Ostrava in the form of informal debate in a neutral and intimate setting of the club.

Other topics of debates in 2009
Does Ostrava need:
4. a new building for the Janáček Philharmonic?
5. a territorial plan?
6. a concept for environmental care?
7. technical monuments?
8. infill development?
9. industrial zones?