In architecture, practice is, in the true sense of the word, mostly working on projects from the comfort of an office. The initiative PRAKS mainly focuses on the tangible level of architecture through student workshops, which is supported by thematic lectures. The aim is to become familiar with the practical side of architecture, to deepen the relationship to the realization phase of the project through active work, and to raise awareness of environmentally responsible creation.

We welcome imperfections with joy, we learn from mistakes. We enjoy the experiment and highlight its value. We mainly choose environmentally friendly materials, processes and scale. We think in the spirit of minimizing the new, reusing the existing and recycling the seemingly unnecessary. For the realized works, we choose varied locations in which new architecture is trying to find its place.

The first year took place in the environment of the beautiful countryside of Považský Inovec, where we worked on the relationship between our architecture and nature. This year we are expecting up to two workshops and thus two locations - one in a natural rural environment and one in the environment of the central public space of the city. Both at the heart of the cultural events of the local community.

The initiative was created as a result of the work of our operational trio (Matthias, Robert, Viktória) at universities, in research-scientific activities, in pedagogy and in practice, in which we are dedicated to designing environmentally responsible architecture. As part of our activity, we investigate local materials with a low level of built-in impacts and industrial processing, which have the potential to reduce the emission footprint of the construction sector on the environment. We have experience in participating in various domestic and foreign competitions and workshops, either as participants or lecturers. From our observation of the teaching process in schools, we have come to the conclusion that field work is greatly missed by students, but there is a minimum of opportunities to improve skills in practice. That is why we decided to regularly organize the PRAKS workshop.

The greatest responsibility for the sustainability of the building rests with the authors (Bates et al., 2021). However, it is very easy to design irresponsibly when we lose touch with implementation reality.

We get support from our closest friends, family and from the Tepore company.

We thank you!