Applications by 09/21

Can we still write critically about cities today? What happened to criticism, which played such a crucial role in shaping our environment in the last century? Architecture historian and journalist Adéla Vaculíková together with journalist Matěj Beránek will guide you through this four-part course. We'll look beneath the surface of the media and public debate about space. We'll read, discuss and write together about architecture, urbanism, development, cars, trees, heat – in short, about anything that shapes life in cities, towns and villages.

Course participants will gain the ability to look critically at the city, architecture and public space, and transform this perspective into clear and engaging text. They will learn to recognize connections between the built environment and social events, name problems and qualities, and write about them in compelling and persuasive ways.

Participants will also attend an Urban Talks lecture, which will bring inspiration from the world of architectural criticism. The course is not just about writing – it's about thinking. It offers space for debate, sharing, feedback and finding your own voice in topics that shape life in cities. The best texts may then be offered for publication in the media.

The course on writing about the city is suitable for:

• Architects who seek impact beyond the scope of design
• Beginning journalists interested in topics of cities, architecture and urbanism
• Young art historians who want to broaden their horizons
• Anyone interested in advancing their thinking and writing skills about cities

What awaits you:

• 4 two-hour seminars with Adéla Vaculíková and Matěj Beránek (once every 2 weeks).
• 1 public lecture with an international guest (Urban Talks).
• Creation of one critical text, which we will develop together and edit in final form.
• Feedback from instructors and other participants.
• Opportunity to meet personalities from the field.

Schedule:

• WED 29/10 17:00–19:00 lesson
• THU 30/10 19:00–21:00 Urban Talks: Phineas Harper
• WED 12/11 17:00–19:00 lesson
• WED 26/11 17:00–19:00 lesson
• WED 10/12 17:00–19:00 lesson

Adéla Vaculíková
Adéla Vaculíková is an architecture historian and journalist. She works in the editorial office of online magazine EARCH.cz and contributes to various professional and academic publications. She focuses on both contemporary and historical architecture. She is currently preparing a book about 1990s architecture in Prague, which will be published in early 2026 by IPR Prague Publishing House.

Matěj Beránek
Matěj Beránek is a journalist and editor-in-chief of ASB magazine. He also writes about architecture in his column in the weekly Echo (Týdeník Echo). He participates in research for studio Perspektiv, is interested in the potential of wood in construction, and develops communication and media strategies. He contributed to the book Architecture 58–89 and is the editor of the upcoming book on 1990s architecture in Prague.

The course fee is 1,950 CZK.

Due to limited capacity, participants will be selected based on a completed motivation form. Please submit your motivation form by September 21 at the latest. You will be notified about your participation status by October 8.