Oh Mountains, Oh Mountains, Oh Mountains

The new exhibition at the Jaroslav Fragner Gallery in Prague will be presented at the Design Factory in Bratislava (May–June), the co-organizer of the project, and further at Villa Flora in Starý Smokovec (September–December).

After several inspiring exhibitions dedicated to quality new buildings and renovations of mountain structures in Alpine or Norwegian environment, the GJF will present works in the Czech and Slovak mountains and mountain ranges. Although both countries have different morphological layout, they share almost a century of common history that has fundamentally influenced their architectural development. Sixty buildings display a sensitive contextual approach and an increasing effort for sustainability in a typological range from look-outs, environmental centres, hotels and relaxation venues to family houses. This trend, which goes hand in hand with the demand for increased comfort and service offer, often leads to the construction of very good buildings, also opens the question of the conservation of wildlife and protection against humans.

There will be almost all mountain ranges represented (Šumava, Giant Mountains, Krušné hory, Jizerské hory, Orlické hory, Jeseníky, Moravskoslezské Beskydy, Javorníky, Karpaty, High Tatras, Low Tatras, West Tatras, the Little and Big Fatra and the Slovak Paradise) and contemporary realisations (buildings from the modern history of both republics) will be supplemented with reminders of interesting realizations and unrealized projects that stood at the birth of interest in mountain tourism in the given localities, or presentations of significant works of architectural history (Dušan Jurkovič, Sial etc.).

The exhibition will be accompanied by a publication that will not only be a catalogue of presented projects, but will also serve as an alternative guide to mountain architecture for tourist and ski trips in both republics.