What were the first commissions like in a capitalist society, and what were the initial clashes with the reality of a transforming economy? After long, stagnant decades of central planning, architects became key players in the transformation of the 1990s—helping to design and build the new world of a post-socialist country. What was it really like for them to work in an era defined by an influx of foreign capital, a desire to try new things, and an effort to quickly catch up with the West? Together with architects, we looked back on this decade—its now unimaginable possibilities, but also its hidden pitfalls. The discussion was not just about reminiscing. We also focused on how the role of architects and the conditions of their practice have changed in 30 years. And what is the real legacy of 1990s architecture?

Participating in the discussion:

• Marcela Steinbachová / architect, editor, founder of the KRUH association, Skupina studio
• Jan Kasl / architect, JK ARCHITEKTI, former mayor of Prague (1998–2002)
• Patrik Kotas / architect, Atelier designu a architektury
• Ladislav Lábus / architect, Lábus AA—Architektonický ateliér
• Jindřich Smetana / architect, set designer, visual artist, university professor, rector of the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague (2011–2019)

Moderator: Matěj Beránek