Magazine INTRO through the eyes of architects: a source of inspiration and an artistic gem

INTRO was created six years ago and during that time it has become the most followed Czech magazine about architecture on social networks. It has found its readers among the general public and architecture students, but especially among architects who appreciate it not only for its content but also for its undeniable aesthetic qualities. Why do they read INTRO and what do they consider its greatest benefit?

"I currently consider INTRO magazine to be the best publication in the Czech Republic dealing with architecture, comparable to leading foreign titles," says Ladislav Kuba, winner of the Architect of the Year 2022 award, who works at the Brno studio Kuba & Pilař architects, and adds: "Due to the very careful and responsible selection of presented buildings, you will not find any poor realizations in INTRO."

Praise, however, does not come only from architects. Artist Michal Škoda, who has been working as a curator in the House of Art in České Budějovice for several years, appreciates INTRO for its thematic focus and especially its contribution to architecture itself: "Its specialization on individual materials, which it fascinatingly explores, helps the reader to broaden their horizons, which is a very important step in promoting architecture to the general public." David Kraus from the Architektura studio also feels a "good intention and effort to move things forward" behind the publication of the mentioned quarterly. "INTRO shows that a printed magazine makes sense even in the virtual present," thinks architect Jiří Opočenský, co-founder of the ov-a studio. "A great selection of buildings from home and abroad that allows Czech architecture to be placed in an international context. The selected realizations always have an artistic quality that is not ostentatiously obvious but is innovative," evaluates INTRO Martin Kožnar from the architectural office Architektura srdcem, adding: "There is no sense of compromise here; on the contrary, I perceive a unique authorial contribution, which is exceptional." "It would be great if the English edition could reach beyond our hills and groves, where it could inform about Czech architecture," adds Michal Škoda.

Quality paper and precise graphics
In addition to the inspiring and well-crafted content, including detailed drawings, many also appreciate the graphic and artistic concept of the magazine, which is overseen by art director Alena Hyblerová. "When I first held INTRO magazine in my hands, it was an aesthetic experience from the very first sight," says Magdalena Rochová from the Prague studio JRA Jaroušek Rochová architects. "We wanted to publish a magazine that, in its cultivation, would resemble a book, and that readers would approach it accordingly. So that no one would think to get rid of INTRO after reading it, but rather have the motivation to create a complete collection," concludes Jan Hejhálek, the magazine's publisher.

Individual issues of INTRO magazine can be viewed and ordered on its official website or purchased in selected bookstores.