Isn't the wind blowing from the West? A look at studios - exhibition on the Deck Hamburg

On Monday, December 19, 2022, at 5 PM, an exhibition showcasing examples of good practices in architecture and public space from both the Czech Republic and abroad, which can also inspire Plzeň, will open in the exhibition space at Paluba Hamburg near the railway station and bus terminal in Plzeň. The association Pěstuj prostor continues its long-term project "Isn't it blowing from the West?", which thematizes contemporary architecture (not only) in the Plzeň environment. The exhibition will run until February 28, 2023.

"Today's Plzeň is not among the cities that excel in numerous realizations of high-quality contemporary architecture. While very good buildings or public space improvements are indeed being realized here – and all involved deserve thanks for that – it is not as frequent as one would expect in a city of the significance and size of Plzeň. Especially in the public sector, truly quality architecture has not yet become a standard or an obviously demanded requirement from the public," states the author of the exhibition concept from the organizing association, Petr Klíma.

"We therefore decided to build on the exhibition 'Isn't it blowing from the West? Contemporary Architecture in Plzeň', which brought a selection of work from leading architectural studios operating in Plzeň closer to the local public. Almost the same architects are part of the very loose continuation of the exhibition, though this time not in the role of exhibitors, but as curators," adds the exhibition coordinator Markéta Hossingerová. Fourteen personalities and author teams each chose one example of good practice from the field of architecture and public space in the Czech Republic and abroad. Based on personal experience, they selected realizations of various scales in Copenhagen, London, Vienna, or Zurich, as well as in Janský Lázně or Žďár nad Sázavou.

The common denominator of the works, besides their undeniable quality, is their "public" character. There is a significant prevalence of public space modifications and public buildings among them. Six cases showcase the transformations of squares and streets, while five others involve revitalizations of waterfronts, embankments, or new footbridges. The selection also includes two transport constructions and the modification of a panel house. The resulting collection clearly points to the creators' sensitivity to current themes in urban environment development.

"Among the basic criteria for selecting realizations, besides functionality and artistic quality, was sustainability, meaning their social and environmental dimensions. Priority was given to those works that are not only impressive at first glance but also function well within the city’s ecosystem and the everyday life of various groups of its inhabitants. We believe that we will find these qualities in an increasing number of realizations in Plzeň as well," adds Petr Klíma.

Curatorial selection of realizations:
Aleš Kubalík (Sporadical)
architectureMADE
Ateliér k světu
Flat & House
hausner/spěváček
Jaroslav Holler (Department of Concept and Development of the City of Plzeň)
Chvojka / architect
Jaromír Veselák (Veselák+Toman architects)
Marek Marovič (Soukup Opl Švehla)
Marek Sivák (Platform for Public Space)
MŮD architects
projectstudio8
Pro-story
Vladimíra Martinovská (Department of Concept and Development of the City of Plzeň)