Czech Design Avant-Garde
“This movie could have been shot in only three cities, Vienna, Budapest or Prague because only these three cities have the 18th century architecture. Prague was ideal, Prague was absolutely ideal because thanks to communist inefficiency the 18th century was untouched.” — Milos Forman, The Making of ‘Amadeus’ 2002
In 1984, at the time he shot the movie on the life of Wolfang Amadeus Mozart Oscar nominated director Milos Forman hadn’t probably met yet Barbora Skorpilova co-founder of Mimolimit studio, architect Boris Sipek, and Graphic designer Ales Najbr of Studio Najbrt. All represent today the Czech architectural and design Avant-Garde.
Prague born Skorlpilova designs furniture, a range of ‘ Flying Candles’, glassware and jewellery. Many hotels , shops and restaurants in Prague have her signature ,one of them is the recently opened Hotel Perla.
It’s chic, hype, affordable. The basic inspiration for the interior design concept logically is the pearl – rare and mysterious, with a velvety shine. The mystery surrounding the creation of the pearl evokes distant places, ocean depths, exotic continents. Asian motifs and patterns play a strong role in the concept.
The reception, designed in a contemporary style by Ales Najbr, of Studio Najbrt, is covered in delicate calligraphy. The columns in the restaurant resemble Asian paper parasols, and the chairs are inspired by the early 17th century Chinese originals. I feel I am at the Strand Hotel in Myanmar, with a pop-ulent modern touch. ( See pictures above and in gallery).
Walking back this sunny afternoon on the riverside, at the corner of Resslova , I notice the world famous Tancicidum, or Dancing Building. I quickly grab my camera, every angle is a new life on its own, a new dimension of movement. Completed in 1996, it is a collaboration between Czech architect Vlado Milunic, and the American architect Frank Gehry.
Also known as ‘ Fred and Ginger’ he’s the rigid vertical half, she’s the swaying glass partner-the project. The Dancing Building is a piece of controversial Prague architecture that the locals still aren’t sure about. The La Perle de Prague, housed on the top floor, is one of Prague’s top restaurants - and one of its most expensive. Locals and expats alike go La Perle de Prague to propose, to celebrate, or to show off.
Modernista ’s gallery in the heart of Prague’s Old Town you will find a wide selection of items such as furniture, lightning, ceramics and toys from the first half of the 20th century as well as contemporary glass and jewelry. It is probably one of Prague’s best design stores and it is often featured in Czech and international design magazines, that’s with a reason. Modernista is the foremost dealer in 20th century Czech avant-garde design-classics and also acts as design consultant for hotels and restaurants. It has specialized in originals and reproductions of furniture and decorative arts in styles such as Bauhaus, Art Deco and Czech Cubism (the golden age of Czech design) as well as contemporary work by leading Czech designers.
Arzenal has a very creative concept. It combines a top class design salon with a Thai restaurant. Located in the center of Prague, on the historical crossroads of Jewish, Old and New Towns, it is a junction of cultures, where East and West, architecture and design, fashion and styles meet.
Arzenal was conceived and designed by the renowned architect and artist Borek Sípek, who has been commissioned to create such highly prestigious buildings as the Kyoto Opera in Japan or the fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld’s shop in Paris. Arzenal design salon allows every guest to appreciate a full scope of Borek Sípek’s genius - architecture, glass and furniture design - while putting its functionality to test sampling Thai gourmet food. All objects in Arzenal, from the chairs to the silverware, are Sípek’s creations.
It’s been a long day. We only had a sandwich secretely picked at fixed this morning at the hotel breakfast room. We are hungry, very hungry, Friends of mine from New York suggested if I was to keep the feel of design in Prague, I’d have to dine at prestigious Maitre d’ Libor Pavlicek V Zatisi (translation Still Life) Restaurant. A table for two at eight o clock was reserved without a single thought.
As soon as we arrived dressed up in fresh clothes after a warm bubble bath and sauna, we could immediately perceive that you can try at this restaurant, an interesting combination of Czech and international delicacies. In addition, the two differing styles give the interior an intimate and elegant feel. The many prestigious international awards are testament to the fact that V Zatisi is a real rarity among Prague’s restaurants. Chosen as Central Eastern Europe’s “Restaurant of the year” by Egon Ronay’s Seagram guide and “The best restaurant in Prague” by Gourmet 2001, this popular restaurant is a favorite with the local, diplomatic and business community.
Dinner was delicious! We savored a Zweigelt and a Sauvignon Blanc from Moravia, and as a sweet treat we asked for the Sonberk’s Palava delicious with a salty cheese.The defining point of the interior apart from the hanging wall’ Flying Candles’ designed by Skorpliova, is the black wall, which is covered with horizontal laid books, with their pages, showing rather than their spines.
Prague…Everyday and night, with your contrasts and controversial style, you surprise me more and more…What’s next?
Joelle’s Picks:
The Hotel: Perla Hotel
1, Perlova - 11000 Prague- Czech Republic : For Reservation contact number Splendida Luxury and Character Hotels from the US 1 607 3300093
The Restaurants:
V Zatisi , Betlemske namesti,Liliova 1,
Tel :+420 222 221 155
Fax: +420 222 220 629
Email: vzatisi@zatisigroup.cz
La Perle de Prague, Dancing House - Tančící dům
Rašínovo nábřeží 80
120 00 Praha 2 Open daily:
12.00 - 14.00 (kitchen)
19.00 - 22.30 (kitchen)
except Sundays and Mondays mornigns
Tel: + 420 221 984 160
Fax: + 420 221 984 179
E-mail: info@laperle.cz
Contact persons:
Ing. Terezie Richterová (agent)
Franck Fonteyne (managing director) tereza@laperle.cz
franck@laperle.cz
The Design Studios : Qubus / Mimolimit / Studio Najbrt
The Store: Modernista
Celetná 12
Praha 1 - Staré Město
daily 11 am – 7 pm
tel: 224 241 300
fax: 224 241 299/ e-mail: modernista@modernista.cz
Arzenal Prague
Valentiska 11
110 00 Prague 1
Tel.: +420 224 814 099
Fax: +420 224 810 722
Open daily: 10:00 - 24:00/galerie@arzenal.cz/ For reservations at the restaurant : restaurace@arzenal.cz
The Website : Czech Design
The Guides: Wallpaper city guide Prague - Phaidon / Time Out Prague 2006
Petter Hegre's
