The Chamber of Architects has prepared a state concept for architecture

The architecture policy arouses enthusiasm in the government.

Prague - A state concept of architecture, which has been missing so far, should advise Czech public institutions on how to proceed in supporting and promoting quality architecture. The Czech Chamber of Architects (ČKA) has prepared its draft. Those who should logically implement the program are state and other public institutions as significant property owners and investors in construction. According to architects, the state should set an example for other entities - the private sector and the public.
    The material emphasizes education and training in the field. General awareness of quality architecture and the need for its support should also improve with the proposed Center for Czech Architecture, which should serve as a place for organizing exhibitions, seminars, and information exchange in the field of architecture, following the example of similar foreign centers. The ČKA is also preparing a project for awarding a prize for architecture.
    The proposal titled Architecture Policy of the Czech Republic was prepared by the chamber based on similar activities of other EU member states for the Ministry for Local Development. In addition to this office, the ministries of agriculture, culture, industry, education, and the environment have also commented on it during the consultation process. "Comments are currently being processed, and we would like the material to be submitted to the government in the summer as a government program for architecture policy," said Ludmila Cepáková from the Czech Chamber of Architects to ČTK.
    The need for quality architecture is discussed in the Czech Republic usually based on opposing examples - a frequently debated phenomenon is that of new suburban colonies of family houses. The proposal for a new building of the National Library has ignited a debate about architecture in connection with public budgets, leading to calls for greater accountability from politicians and state officials, particularly for a quality environment, of which architecture is a part - in the form of cultural heritage as well as newly emerging buildings.
    The level of architecture and the landscape of urban and rural environments indicates the cultural identity of a country and condition the perception of the state by the global community, the authors of the concept write. The main reason for adopting the program is therefore to improve the conditions for the creation and protection of a harmonious and quality built environment, that is, all parts of the environment created by human construction activities, they believe.
    It is not just about making people feel better - construction and maintenance are among the main energy consumers and significant environmental pollutants. Buildings in the EU consume approximately 40 percent of all energy and have the same share in the production of all waste. Reducing these values is essential for the preservation of sustainable development, therefore the architecture policy concept seeks to appeal to the quality of architecture in terms of striving for energy resource savings and improving today's practices and technologies.