Since the early 20th century, the Czech lands have emerged as a hub for innovative architectural experimentation, driven by the socio-political shifts of the time. Before 1918, these regions were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with Vienna's influence shaping the local aesthetic landscape. This period saw the rise of Art Nouveau, a style that mirrored the transformative social, political and economic forces at play. As avant-garde trends like Cubism and early Modernism took root, Prague became an important international center for artistic expression until the onset of the First World War.

The establishment of Czechoslovakia in 1918 sparked a cultural renaissance and architecture played a vital role in forming a national identity. Architects began to explore new values and styles, leading to unique forms of Art Deco in the early 1920s. Following this, Czechoslovakia flourished as one of the most industrially progressive nations globally. However, Art Deco soon gave way to Modernism, perceived as the most democratic form of architecture suitable for the new republic. Even though Czechoslovakia was outside of the main centers of Modernism, the movement influenced all aspects of construction—from residential to commercial spaces, and infrastructure. As a result, Modernism became intertwined with the country's cultural identity.

Adam Štěch, an architecture historian based in Prague, Czech Republic, will discuss the evolution of the Czech Modernist house, highlighting key figures and movements from its inception in Cubism and Art Deco to the Functionalist designs of the 1920s, later developing into the softer, organic tendencies of the late 1930s, then the dramatic impact of the historic events of World War II and the Communist dictatorship established in 1948.

A book signing will follow the presentation.

Adam Štěch is one of the leading Czech theorists of design and architecture. He contributes regularly to Vogue, Domus, Wallpaper, Form, Mark, Frame, Modernism, Cool Hunting, and other publications. He has researched design and architecture in over 50 countries and authored the book Modern Architecture and Interiors (2020, Prestel) and Modernism Travel Guide (2025, SightUnseen). He teaches design history at Scholastika in Prague.