Architektura opravy - výstava v Galerii Františka Drtikola

“We should prefer to repair and maintain the environment rather than building new.” A concise motto captures the key appeal with which the exhibition Architecture of Repair comes to the František Drtikol Gallery in Příbram. The unique exhibition, running from March 25 to August 30, 2026, will present 7 contemporary architectural practices that integrate the approach of architecture of repair in their work. Visitors will see how this can be specifically implemented in one of their completed projects. The exhibition will also feature works by artists Krištof Kintera and Matouš Lipus.
The group exhibition Architecture of Repair will include architectural studios Muck Petzet Architekten, Büros für Konstruktivismus, re:architekti, YYYY, MCA atelier, AP atelier, and ORA. The overarching theoretical section will also present the theme of repair in general, not only in the field of architecture but also in other areas: visual arts, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The exhibition thus offers an exceptionally comprehensive view of repair as a creative, responsible, and deeply human endeavor.
“Approaches to sustainability, degrowth, and care have been increasingly appearing lately. However, the theory of repair (not only the repair of architecture but also, for example, the repair of society) brings a broader or more radical perspective. It offers a paradigm based on the idea that instead of removing non-functioning things and replacing them with new ones, we should primarily maintain and repair them. It applies a language we are more familiar with in terms of consumer goods to the environment of architecture, nature, and ultimately society,” says the curator of the exhibition Architecture of Repair, the respected architect and architectural theorist Pavla Melková. Other curators of the exhibition are Kateřina Špičáková, Tereza Melková, and Igor Machata.
The theory of architecture of repair is not – merely – about the protection of monuments, sustainable architecture, or recycling. For example, in the context of heritage care, the goal of the theory of repair is not (only) the reconstruction of an ideal original form but primarily regenerative transformation towards a better state. However, it may overlap with all of these approaches. It is based on a fundamental principle: Do not throw away, demolish, or eliminate anything that can be adapted for new needs, instead of producing, building, or constructing something new. A repaired object, a repaired tree, a repaired house, a repaired road. And also repaired social and cultural relationships.
The exhibition aims to appeal not only to a professional audience but especially to the general public. The gallery is therefore preparing a diverse accompanying program – from professional symposia to flea markets and pop-up events to creative workshops, film screenings, and guided tours in collaboration with the curators. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the topic of the exhibition in various forms and participate in it both actively and informally.
The author of the exhibition graphics and co-author of the architectural design of the exhibition is Robert V. Novák. The graphic designer for the exhibition promotion is Zuzana Burgrová.