How to read and understand public space through design and architecture. That's the theme of Richard Vodička's mini-series of lectures. The opening instalment was devoted to examples from the immediate surroundings. From the Tomáš Baťa Memorial and Gahurův prospekt to the church in Sazovice and the Kloboucká lesní company building in Brumov-Bylnice.
How to read and understand public space through design and architecture. That's the theme of Richard Vodička's mini-series of lectures. The opening instalment was devoted to examples from the surrounding area. From the Tomáš Baťa Memorial and Gahura's Avenue, via the church in Sazovice, to the Kloboucká lesní company building in Brumov-Bylnice.
Richard Vodička is a design theorist, lecturer and curator at Design Field, who has long focused on the theme of public space and the architecture within it. The aim of his programme Places Make Cities is to raise questions that lead to reflection on shared spaces. "We focus on specific places that shape the character of cities, and show how to think about them. When travelling, for instance," explains Richard Vodička on the intent behind the mini-series.
Why do we feel good in one place and walk through another without interest? According to Richard Vodička, it comes down to a combination of several factors. "The key thing is that architecture shouldn't be an end in itself. What matters primarily isn't how it looks, but what it does. What's more, it's not just the building itself that matters, but its surroundings too. Surfaces, slopes, landscaping. In practice, it turns out that even a small intervention, if precise, can bring about a big change for the better," he explains.
What's next?
Czech and Slovak examples | 27 May 2026 at 17:00
Together we'll go through inspiring projects from Czech and Slovak cities. We'll look at architecture, squares, streets, parks and small interventions that have a big impact on quality of life.
Foreign inspiration | 17 June 2026 at 17:00
We'll head out into the world for examples of cities and places that can inspire our own surroundings. We'll show how different approaches to architecture and public space shape atmosphere.
