Hits and kits of 2024
Hits
There is never enough knowledge. Hits, therefore, are always well-developed and documented publishing items about architecture, space and related phenomena. Above all, it is worth noting a very solid compendium on the architecture of the times of transition, namely "The Long 90s". Anna Cymer (published by the Center for Architecture). Noteworthy is the partially incarnational reporter ' s book "Pathfinder. This is not a country to live in" by Bartosz Jozefiak (published by Znak). Another attractively designed guidebooks by the National Institute for Historic Preservation (now incorporated into NID), which helps local governments and building owners to care for architectural heritage, are welcome. ("Historic Building" by Katarzyna Sielicka, "Investments at the Monument" by Malgorzata Gmiter and "Modernist Villa", authored by Katarzyna Lakomy).
From the architectural realizations, the most joy is brought by the exceptional quality of the TBS in Rybnik (proj. SLAS Architects). Also rejoices very much the Grand Prix of the Architectural Award of the President of the City of Warsaw for the "Storm" Action Park in Warsaw (proj. Archigrest and topoScape). This shows that the judges of such competitions are shifting the emphasis towards sustainable and pro-ecological achievements far from formal fireworks. For similar reasons, we should also note the annual award of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage in the Architecture and Space category to one of the more sensitive and talented architects: Aleksandra Wasilkowska. Of the exhibitions, the most noteworthy, in turn, was the solidly developed and optimally presented monograph by Jan Boguslawski (curator: Weronika Soltysiak), prepared by NIAiU in cooperation with IWP.
Hit and putty in one
A hit and a putty in one was the discussion of the Museum of Modern Art. A hit because architecture became a topic that engaged public opinion for a while. Putty because the discussion was as heated as it was sterile and unmeritorious. We missed an excellent opportunity to talk about architecture and space a little more competently. For public agencies that have architectural education written into their operations, this was an excellent opportunity to deduce in advance that MSN would become the subject of quite a brawl and take care to move ahead. How? Generate this discussion in advance on some civilized terms - providing data, information, substantive opinions, comparative material. It is possible, however, that such an attempt to manage the topic is a pipe dream today, if one does not have a lot of money for precise promotion and the hard skills to efficiently manage the opinions and emotions flowing through social media.
Kit
Without much change. The most severe kits are chronic - for many years. I know, boring, but one must not get used to them. The first putty is the lame management of Polish space resulting from the disastrous legislation and the lack of its comprehensive reform. The second putty is the progressive crisis in the quality of residential architecture (and the absurdly high prices of the units therein) and the lack of government decisions expected in the past year to rectify the situation. The third is the progressive inertia and lack of solidarity of the architectural community in matters relevant to the shaping of space, and the further erosion of the professional ethos (this year even the legitimate term "pathoarchitects" appeared in the media). It should be noted here that Filip Springer tried to confront some aspects of these putdowns in his latest publication. However, I need to read his "Gray Hour" at least once more to understand why these and other very important issues were compiled, treated and described by the author in the way he did.
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