The Czech Architecture Prize will have a new trophy; the design is being selected in a competition

Prague - The Czech Award for Architecture, granted by the Czech Chamber of Architects (ČKA), will have a new trophy, to be produced by the Bomma glassworks. The design of the trophy will be the result of an open competition for designers, architects, and students, which can register until March 7, as informed by ČKA spokesperson Barbora Sedlářová in a press release. The new trophies will be presented at a gala evening on November 13.

According to the competition conditions, the trophy must be portable and easy to handle. Participants in the competition are to design the main prize and alternatives for other awards. The reward for winning the competition will be 30,000 crowns, with an additional 20,000 crowns for the license. The second-place winner will receive 20,000 crowns, while the third-place winner will receive 10,000 crowns. No sketch fee will be paid, as stated in the conditions of the competition. The jury will evaluate the designs so that the results of the competition will be announced by March 31.

Since the award will be made by the Bomma glassworks in Světlá nad Sázavou, specific technologies and procedures are prescribed. These include hand-blowing, pressing, both machine and hand grinding, sandblasting, engraving, gilding, and painting on glass. The previous trophy was produced by the Moser glassworks.

"Through the announced competition, we want to give space to a modern interpretation of the trophy, which every award recipient can be proud of. With this project, we aim to celebrate not only the beauty of architecture but also Czech glass," said ČKA Chairman Jan Kasl, who is a member of the jury.

The glassworks primarily focuses on the production of designer lighting. "We have long been trying to support the local architectural and design scene, and this collaboration is an example of that," stated Aneta Hoffmannová, the marketing director of Bomma.

The Czech Award for Architecture grants one main prize, with up to 17 additional awards potentially given. This year’s tenth edition was announced on January 21, with applications accepted until April 8, a nomination evening taking place in June, and a gala evening in November. Last year, the main prize was awarded to the realization of the Concert Hall in Karlovy Vary, designed by Petr Hájek, Nikoleta Slováková, and Martin Stoss from the studio Petr Hájek Architekti.