Architecture historian Ladislav Jackson presents architect Jaroslav Polívka’s buildings in Brno, followed by the launch of his book Philosopher of Structures: Architect and Engineer Jaroslav Polívka.
The book follows the remarkable life of Jaroslav Josef Polívka, shaped not only by his rich professional career but also by the global political events of the 20th century. Polívka played an important role in shaping modern Brno but became famous in America through his collaboration with Frank Lloyd Wright. The book presents him as an example of successful migration, professional achievement on another continent, and the preservation of his original identity. Polívka’s story demonstrates that the personal and political are inseparable. The interpretation is based on an analysis of networks of actors encompassing individuals, institutions, materials, and economic and political structures. Another strand is the non-hierarchical exploration of the environments in which Polívka worked. Rejecting the idea of cultural centres and peripheries makes it possible to devote equal attention to his work in Postoloprty and New York and to examine his creative decisions in both contexts with equal interest.
The book launch will be preceded by a walk introducing his interwar buildings in Brno, including the multifunctional Jalta Palace, the headquarters of the Cooperative of Commercial and Industrial Employees, and apartment buildings in Zábrdovice.
The book launch will take place at 18:00 at the FA BUT Market Hall on Zelný trh.
The walk is wheelchair accessible.
The book launch is not wheelchair accessible.
Fri. 2. 10. | 16:00 | playground in the courtyard on Hoppova Street, Brno | Estimated duration: 90 minutes
Author of photos:Kryštof Knoflíček, Jiří Zikmund
