Publication by Cyril Říha traces the interrelations between architecture and politics in the period of reconstruction of the democratic republic after 1989. Through 13 studies, it traces the themes of transformation in relation to architecture.
“The book traces the interrelations between architecture and politics in the period of reconstruction of the democratic republic after 1989, which at the same time had to respond to new local and global circumstances: the division of Czechoslovakia, the entry into the European Union, the new territorial and administrative division of the Czech Republic and the policy of liberal economy. It consists of an introductory essay and 13 studies accompanied by interviews with selected actors of this period. It traces in detail, in relation to architecture and urbanism, the transformation of the borders and internal division of the country after 1989, the seats of state power (Prague Castle, Parliament, government, courts), the influence of the EU on the development of municipalities (subsidy programmes, the title of European City of Culture), housing construction from the point of view of the state, municipalities (and the strategic private companies based in them) and civic and anarchist activities. In addition, it looks at the role of urban architects, architectural competitions and organisations defending the interests of the profession in public space. Visually, the text is complemented not only by photographs and visualizations relating to individual buildings, projects and events of the period, but also by maps and charts that attempt to capture the overall theme in data. Graphics by Tereza Hejmová and Kristýna Žáčková. The book is published in Czech-English version with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic within the Programme of Applied Research and Development of National and Cultural Identity (NAKI II).”
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