Publication date: 
2023/03/02
The latest publication by editors Petr Vorlík and Hubert Guzik from the Institute of Theory and History of Architecture, FA CTU, concludes the extensive project Architecture of the 1980s. Following the books a(typ), Neostavená, Interviews and Improvisation, Ambitions focuses on the workings of society, construction and architectural practice. The presentation of the book, accompanied by a screening of contemporary documents and a debate with experts, will take place at the Faculty of Architecture of the Czech Technical University in Prague on 9 March at 18:00.

In twelve chapters the authors present the key processes in the architecture of the 1980s and the circumstances of their (un)realisation in reality. At this time, the disillusionment with the construction of huge housing estates was at its peak, and discussions about the future of prefabrication, which condemned the periphery to the role of mere dormitories, were taking place. Combined with the enormously polluted environment and decaying historic centres, the results of socialist management left above all a feeling of general frustration.

"Architects have rightly felt alone in their pursuit of aesthetically strong and socially useful architecture. The desire to offer an alternative to the utilitarianism of socialist construction and to resist the prevailing tendencies of older generations led young architects to form associations, organize exhibitions, lectures and public discussions, and to formulate visions and critiques of contemporary construction. All of these activities shaped the prolific unofficial architectural scene in the 1980s," adds Petr Vorlík, editor of the book.

Together with Tereza Pokorna, in the chapter "The Unofficial Scene, the Path to Freedom and Plurality" they describe the circumstances of the formation of the group Zlatí orli (Golden Eagles), founded by the youngest architectural generation in 1989: In Žižkov, there were large-scale demolitions, in Smíchov Karel Prager was building his bank and wanted to go much further. The Golden Eagles felt the urge to define themselves and decided to make a harsh gesture - they brought to the opening of Prager's exhibition a "Serious, decent wreath with the inscription Last Goodbye, Sleep Sweetly or Goodbye, bought at Olšany". With youthful insolence and courage, they expressed their wish that Prager would not continue with his projects - which they considered merciless to the city.

The book presentation will include a debate with Petr Kratochvíl, Ladislav Labus and Milena Vitoulová. This will be followed by screenings of the archival documentaries How Children dwell in the Housing Estate (1985), Television Youth Club (1988) and The Completion of the Old Town Hall - A Public Affair (1988).

The book Ambition was written as the fifth and last part of the project Architecture of the 1980s in the Czech Republic within the National Cultural Identity II programme 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 of books is complemented by the website architektura80.cz, where you can find full versions of the books and individual artists and buildings on an interactive map.

Book pictures can be downloaded via this link. Photography courtesy of: Jiří Ryszawy

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Contact person: 
Name: 
Ing.arch. Kateřina Rottová, Ph.D.
E-mail: 
katerina.rottova@fa.cvut.cz