Article: Lifestyles Magazine Prague – Publisher’s Letter
With a name like Vinohrady, it’s not difficult to imagine the area’s beautiful slopes covered with stepped vineyards, tended by the local habitants’ loving hands. Envisioning that same gentle scene in Smíchov, however, surely would test the imagination of most. Prague 5, including parts of Smíchov, has only recently lifted its perception as a tough, working class district and is now one of the most desirable, and lucrative real estate locations in Prague. Even more suprising, Smichov shared Vinohrady’s tradition of vineyards in the city. Our Best of City Living has a special feature on the new luxury project from Satpo, The Švédská Residence. This small and exclusive opportunity pays respect to that tradition with some exceptional living quarters where the historic vineyards once stood.
In that vein, we take a look at the work of Max Švabinský. This is a story of easy choice (especially when you are the publisher). Every Czech of 50 years or older knows the name and the hand. His pastoral landscapes, enormous collection of portraits, and range of allegories and perspectives, help define the national identity; his self portrait in his garden leads the story. Just as it is difficult to imagine vineyards in Smíchov, Švabinsky’s extraordinary series of 24 lithographs from 1948 were created in his Chodov garden; indeed, this same garden was inspration for much of his nature settings up until his death in the early 1960’s. The following explosion of housing estates of the 70’s have evolved into the thriving commercial and residential suburb of present day Chodov. Švabinský was at the head of an extraordinary generation of gifted artists, many of whom he shaped during his lengthy tenure at the Prague Academy of Fine Arts.
Our cover features another gifted talent, Josef Pleskot, and his deer tunnel at Prague Castle. I finally had the opportunity to visit the ČSOB building last fall, another Pleskot prize. From the wooden floors to the light refracting on the ceiling in the atrium, it was an impressive experience. Our business meeting, like a number of others at the time, was held in this extraordinary space with small clutches of privacy. Forget the office or a conference room; Pleskot’s work draws people in a most unusual way.
We also have a design story on Laufen, the iconic B&O, and some other forces to be reckoned with, while Martin Kolmhofer explains the world of real estate investment trusts. In addition we have some interesting properties for your consideration .
We trust you will enjoy the stories, and we welcome suggestions for future editions.
