Čeština
Publication Architecture for the Public offers a unique perspective on contemporary architecture of public space in the capital city. It presents the winning and nominated projects of the Mayors’ Awards of Prague’s individual municipal districts and demonstrates how high-quality architecture and thoughtfully designed public space influence the everyday lives of Prague’s residents. The publication provides not only an overview of outstanding realizations, but also their broader cultural, urban, and social context, complemented by interviews with key figures involved in the city’s development.
We would like to jointly express our sincere thanks to the mayors of the municipal districts of the Capital City of Prague for their openness, the time they devoted to interviews, and their long-term interest in the topic of public space. Their personal perspectives, experience, and responsibility for the territories entrusted to them form one of the fundamental pillars of the publication and confirm that quality architecture is an inseparable part of a well-functioning and vibrant city.
Our thanks also go to the municipal companies Prague Water Supply and Sewerage, the Veolia Group, Prague Water Management Company, Technologies of the Capital City of Prague, and Prague Energy, which have long contributed to ensuring the operation of the city and the development of its infrastructure.
We further thank the partners and collaborating companies of the publication—ORLEN Unipetrol, SUDOP PRAHA, METROPROJEKT Praha, Správa železnic (Railway Administration), and PETROF—for their support and cooperation in the creation of the publication. Appreciation also goes to the cooperating institutions—the City of Warsaw, the Polish Institute in Prague, and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Prague, whose involvement contributed to the international dimension of the project.
The publication is intended not only for professionals, but above all for the residents of Prague. Through high-quality photographs, expert texts, and personal testimonies, it presents architecture as a living part of the city and inspires a deeper interest in the environment in which we live.
At the same time, we are already looking ahead. This year’s edition of the Capital City of Prague Award for Architecture and Heritage Conservation – Opera Pragensia will focus on social infrastructure—an area that is no less important for the functioning of the city. Projects of healthcare, educational, social, community, and cultural infrastructure shape the quality of life, strengthen social cohesion, and create dignified and accessible environments for the everyday lives of Prague’s residents. The theme of this year’s edition thus naturally builds on public space and broadens the view of the city as a whole—one that should not only function well and look good, but above all serve people.
Special thanks are extended to the Czech National Bank for co-organizing the gala evening and presenting the Grand Prix Opera Pragensia 2025 award. Special appreciation also goes to the Czech Mint for the design, production, and minting of the ceremonial medals for the Opera Pragensia Awards of the Capital City of Prague.