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Current AffairsEyesore of an apartment bloc in Havlíčkův Brod to be torn down
Pre-fabricated apartment blocs known in the Czech Republic as paneláky
(panel buildings) were once the Soviet ideal and countless thousands were
built in Czechoslovakia from the 1950s until 1989. Now, for the first time,
one such bloc of homes will be demolished strictly for aesthetic reasons.
The Southeast Bohemian town of Havlíčkův Brod has confirmed that a
low-rise smack in the town centre – considered an eyesore for years –
will soon be a thing of the past. More
Current AffairsPrague mayor renews “Blob” debate
The drawn-out debate over the construction of a futuristic building
colloquially known as “the Blob” originally meant to house the Czech
National Library in Prague has taken a new turn. Designed by the late
Czech-born London-based architect Jan Kaplický, the huge green and purple
structure divided public opinion when it won an international competition
in 2007 and the project was finally scuppered. Now, more than four years
after the original plan was put forward, Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda has
unexpectedly renewed the debate. More
One on OneEva Eislerová – Czech designer who reached top of jewellery world in NYC
The Czech artist and designer Eva Eislerová originally wanted to be an
architect. Instead, she became one of the most highly regarded makers of
art jewellery in the world, after emigrating to New York in the 1980s with
her half-Czech, half-English husband, John Eisler. Today Eva Eisler, as she
is known to her collectors, spends most of her time back home in Prague,
where she teaches at the metals department at the Academy of Arts,
Architecture and Design. More
SpotlightZlín - the town that Baťa built
In this edition of Spotlight,we visit the south-east Moravian town of Zlín,
a city famous for its footwear and film industries as well as for its rich
heritage of folk culture and traditional music. More
SpotlightPrague’s Hanau Pavilion – pricey restaurant with interesting history and great city views
On the edge of Prague’s Letná plain, overlooking the Vltava and the Old
Town, stand several remarkable buildings from the Belle Époque when Prague
was hoping to become the Paris of the East. One of these structures is the
Hanau Pavilion, a church-like edifice of cast iron and bricks built to
demonstrate the dynamic development of Bohemian industry. Today as in the
past, its restaurant offers amazing views of the capital. More
Czech LifeA look behind the thin walls of Czech panelák apartment buildings
A legacy of the communists’ fascination with the pre-fabricated building
method, paneláky or tower block buildings to this day can be found across
the Czech Republic, often in prominent and elevated places, towering over
cities and towns. After all, they were considered the height of
architectural and technological progress during communism. More
SpotlightThe Villa Becher – a beautifully restored estate in Karlovy Vary’s Westend neighborhood
Uphill from Karlovy Vary’s famous colonnade with its lavish,
pastel-colored buildings, a little off the beaten track in the city’s
Westend neighborhood, visitors to the West Bohemian spa town can find a
great example of stunning early 20th century architecture: the Becher
Villa. Built by Gustav Becher, a member of the famous Becher family,
probably best known for founding the Becherovka distillery, the villa went
through many changes in its nearly 100-year history. More
Current AffairsThousands sign petition against planned demolition of building on Wenceslas Square
The planned demolition of an Art Nouveau building on Prague’s Wenceslas
Square is drawing increasing opposition in the form of an on-line petition,
while seeing hundreds take part in a protest meeting on Tuesday on the
square itself. The building in question, 1601 Opletalova, is not itself a
heritage site but is located within a protected area. The owners and
developers want to tear the structure down (as well as gut the interiors of
two adjacent buildings) to make room for a new commercial centre. Other
than the petition, few obstacles stand in their way: both City Hall and the
culture minister, Jiří Besser, have already given the green light. More
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