Discussion Evening: "The Phenomenon of Ostrava: Architecture"

Date: March 17, 2010, at 18:00.
Location: Antiquarian and Club Fiducia, Nádražní 30, 702 00 Ostrava
Presented by: Osamu Okamura (architectural magazine Era 21)
Guests: Josef Kiszka (Department of Architecture FAST VŠB – TU Ostrava), David Průša (PLATFORMA OSTRAVA), Tomáš Bindr&Jan Zelinka (Atelier 38, Opava-Ostrava), Radim Václavík (ATOS-6, Ostrava), Martin Strakoš (National Heritage Institute Ostrava)
 
Abstract: Ostrava and the surrounding region have long been an underinvested area in terms of architecture within the republic. For years, architects from outside Ostrava primarily carried out projects here, if there was any interest at all in quality architecture as such. The quality of projects by local creators was perceived as overall below-average. Ostrava, uniquely among the three largest cities in the country, does not have a faculty of architecture (in contrast to even the much smaller Liberec), which would ensure experts to address the fundamental problems of the quality of built environments in the city as well as in the broader Northern Moravian and Silesian region. Meanwhile, just beyond the border, Polish Katowice and Gliwice paradoxically house the current most vibrant centers of architecture in Poland, benefiting from the high level of industrial tradition in the area. However, in the last few (perhaps only three to five) years, Ostrava has begun to appear on the map of the contemporary architectural scene as an increasingly distinct point: quality buildings (including projects in public spaces) from ambitious local and renowned external studios, plans for extensive urban revitalizations, conversions of industrial sites, new transport infrastructure, and administrative complexes. Additionally, a newly established field of study focused specifically on architecture is beginning to develop promisingly at the technical university in Ostrava. When combined with Ostrava's current candidacy for the title of European Capital of Culture, one cannot speak of anything but the "Phenomenon of Ostrava." The discussion evening is associated with the presentation of the newly published issue of the professional architectural magazine Era 21 2010/01, which endeavors to describe this emerging phenomenon in more detail. The evening, during which a number of local creator-architects will present their most recent work for Ostrava, will be hosted by the editor-in-chief of the magazine Era 21, Osamu Okamura.
 
Supported by: Statutory City of Ostrava and Czech Architecture Foundation
 

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Detailed Program:
 
18:00 - Osamu Okamura (Era 21) - presentation of the special issue of the professional architectural magazine Era 21 on the topic: "Phenomenon of Ostrava." Why phenomenon? And why Ostrava?
18:15 - Josef Kiszka with students from the Department of Architecture FAST VŠB – TU Ostrava - will present the ongoing tasks addressing problematic locations in Ostrava
18:30-19:15 - a block dedicated to Ostrava's architectural studios and their current work for Ostrava:
- 18:30 - David Průša (PLATFORMA OSTRAVA)
- 18:45 - Tomáš Bindr&Jan Zelinka (Atelier 38)
- 19:00 - Radim Václavík (ATOS-6)
19:15 - Martin Strakoš (National Heritage Institute Ostrava): "Is there such a thing as an architectural culture in Ostrava?" Why was there almost no discussion about the development of the city in the past? Why were potential technical monuments and city landmarks demolished? Are most Ostravans indifferent to architecture? Can architects be blamed for this as well?
19:30 - moderated discussion about Ostrava
19:50 - final evaluation of the survey among all present listeners: Which building in Ostrava most appeals to and inspires me?
20:00 - expected end of the event with the possibility of informal continuation of the discussion in public interiors and exteriors of the city