We want to promote architecture more among the general public

From left: Jan Kratochvíl (publisher and editor-in-chief of Archiweb), Jan Hejhálek (commercial director of Archiweb, publisher of the magazine INTRO) (photo: Michael Tomeš)

At the beginning of this year, a collaboration was established between two media outlets with a common interest in architecture. We are talking about the online portal Archiweb.cz and the quarterly magazine INTRO, currently the most watched magazine on architecture in our country. Jan Kratochvíl, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Archiweb, spoke not only about this collaboration.

Archiweb was created as a teaching tool for students of FA VUT. Who visits it currently?
Architects and students still form the largest group of our readers, as do designers and construction companies, but a significant group is also made up of amateur builders who are looking for an architect or inspiration. We strive to make Archiweb as friendly as possible to all those interested in architecture.

How would you characterize Archiweb? What distinguishes it from other architecture-focused websites?
Archiweb is a place on the internet where architecture enthusiasts go, enjoy beautiful houses, and draw inspiration for their work; they can engage and absorb news from home and abroad. We are like a mirror of current events and at the same time an electronic gallery or rather a museum of architecture. Unlike others, we have a better database structure, more information, and we are definitely much more passionate (laughs).

Have there been any changes on Archiweb recently? Have any new features been added?
A major change was the redesign of the website, which, although it was three years ago, was a fundamental issue for us, also from a financial perspective. Some parts of Archiweb are still not in the new design, so it is a permanent challenge; for example, the newsletter got a new design in December. A major new feature this year will be a mobile version, which was our biggest New Year's resolution. We are also trying to expand the editorial team with new collaborators. I am very glad that the wonderful Tereza Šváchová from Prague is currently writing for us.

Tereza Šváchová is also an editor of the magazine INTRO. Its publisher, Jan Hejhálek, recently became your new commercial director. Why did you decide to collaborate with INTRO?
I think our collaboration has gradually strengthened, first at the level of promotion, then in the editorial realm, and now even in the commercial direction. Surely mutual sympathies, respect, and perhaps even blood type contribute to that (laughs). INTRO and Archiweb were born on the periphery; we have the same priorities, only differ in the medium we operate, but we overlap in many aspects.

How do you evaluate the magazine, or the INTRA website, from the perspective of an architect?
I evaluate it very positively, and I look forward to each new issue. I like realized architecture that I can experience, touch, and let it affect me... That's why I have enjoyed the "material" editorial plan of INTRA from the beginning. I studied architecture so that I could design and build things. Excessive theorizing and speculation is foreign to me; I am a village boy...

In 2005, you stated in an interview for the magazine Architekt that Czech architecture is not that interesting in an international context. How do you see it today? Have you noticed any shift during this time?
I have not noticed any significant shift. We deal with our local issues and do not have ambitions to change the world. We still have a lot of work to do on ourselves, let alone be leaders in global discussion. Look at the Mies van der Rohe Award for the best European building, for example. We haven't scored as a national scene for many years. Rather than inspiration and admiration, the architectural world is looking for quality and affordable visualizers and skilled draftsmen in our country. That is also an interesting topic to explore.

You also pointed out that Czech architects do not know how to sell their work. Does that hold true today? What could help them to be recognized even abroad?
Breaking through in the world is increasingly difficult, and I do not see any recognized star from the former Eastern Bloc, perhaps Robert Konieczny. Participating in world competitions is a lottery given the competition. However, I do not think that this should be our goal, to export architectural services abroad. Primarily, we should improve our domestic environment, where I still see significant shortcomings.

What direction will Archiweb take? What are your plans for the future?
We want to promote architecture even more among the general public. We are investing a lot of time and resources into social networks. Besides showcasing beautiful realizations, we would like to focus more on the design process and the work of architects, primarily through interviews and surveys.