On January 29, 2025, the Prague Center for Architecture and Urban Planning (CAMP) unveiled finalists for the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Award, highlighting transformative architectural projects across Europe. Among the finalists is the converted former slaughterhouse in Ostrava, now known as Gallery Plato, which symbolizes a significant achievement for Czech architecture.
The exhibition features a range of public buildings, emphasizing the trend that the best architecture in Europe often emerges from public funding and community needs. This year’s winner, the student pavilion at the Technical University of Brunswick, designed by young architects Gustav Düsinge and Max Hacke, showcases sustainable modular design, offering flexible space for student gatherings.
Notably, the award jury included former Prague mayor Adriana Krnáčová, who has supported various architectural projects that contributed to the city's development. The exhibition also includes the Library of Gabriel García Márquez in Barcelona by the Spanish firm SUMA, which functions as an open shared space, prioritizing community interaction over traditional library usage.
Additionally, a project in Lund, Sweden, was recognized for preserving untouched space within a new neighborhood, creating a communal garden and meditation area, reflecting a growing appreciation for non-intrusive architecture. The exhibition runs concurrently with the best works from the Czech Architecture Prize, showcasing the high quality of contemporary Czech architecture on the European stage.
As part of the exhibition, prominent figures including Anna Ramos, director of the Mies van der Rohe Foundation, and the architects from the winning project are scheduled to give talks, further enriching the dialogue around innovative architectural practices and community engagement.