Jan Kaplicky: For the Future and For Beauty

This is the first monograph on the life and work of the Czech-born British architect Kaplicky (1937-2009). It is a comprehensive work based on a decade of research and explores historical events that influenced his talent. The author drew on Kaplicky's friends, colleagues, partners, and clients to create a representation of his life and work. The book presents Kaplicky's personal side with sensitivity and explains his dramatic decision-making.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Edition Axel Menges

This is the first monograph on the life and work of the Czech-born British architect Kaplicky (1937-2009). It is a fully comprehensive work based on a decade of research and is a distinctive portrait of one of the most distinguished architects and designers of the 20th and 21st centuries. At the same time, it is an exploration into historical events that influenced a number of talented artists, writers, and designers, some of whom, like Kaplicky, were forced to emigrate from Czechoslovakia in order to expand their skills and search for beauty through living in freedom in democratic countries. After immigrating to the United Kingdom in 1968, Kaplicky applied his imagination and diligence and enhanced his skills and aptitude, gaining admiration and respect following the cofounding of the innovative Future Systems studio in 1979. With his wide-ranging architectural and design oeuvre, Kaplicky affirmed the greatness of his immense talent and ability. The author was a friend, through their shared émigré life experience, giving him broad insight into the inception and realization of this book. He searched family archives and referenced Kaplicky's private diaries. The author drew on everybody who had something important to say and gathered written memories and interviews from Kaplicky's friends, colleagues, partners, and clients, which form the cornerstone of the monograph. His aim was to write a book that would mirror Kaplicky's life and work, a representation made up not only from the author's own point of view but also according to others with whom Kaplicky had been in contact during his life. The book has many voices and has a kaleidoscopic format, which truly explores Kaplicky's complex personality and his creativity. It does not overwhelm with excessive information but builds a picture.

Introduction:
This monograph is a comprehensive exploration into the life and work of the Czech-born British architect, John Kaplicky (1937-2009). It delves into the various aspects of Kaplicky's career, from his early beginnings in Czechoslovakia to his successful practice in the United Kingdom. Through extensive research and analysis, the book provides a unique perspective on Kaplicky's architectural achievements, his influences, and his impact on the architectural landscape of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Early Life and Education:
Kaplicky was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1937. He grew up in a family of architects and artists, and his early exposure to the world of architecture and design shaped his artistic sensibility and technical skills. After completing his primary education in Prague, Kaplicky pursued his architectural studies at the Czech Technical University in Prague, where he graduated with a degree in architecture in 1961.

Professional Career:
Kaplicky's professional career began in Prague, where he worked for several prominent architectural firms. He gained experience in a wide range of projects, including residential, commercial, and cultural buildings. In 1968, Kaplicky immigrated to the United Kingdom, where he continued his architectural practice. He established his own architectural firm, John Kaplicky Architects, in London in 1971.

Influences and Style:
Kaplicky's architectural style is characterized by a fusion of modernist and postmodernist elements. He was influenced by the works of Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Louis Kahn, among others. However, Kaplicky's style is distinct and unique, reflecting his own personal vision and artistic sensibility. His buildings are known for their clean lines, minimalistic aesthetic, and use of innovative materials and technologies.

Projects:
Throughout his career, Kaplicky designed and executed numerous notable architectural projects. Some of his most significant projects include the Royal Festival Hall in London, the National Theatre in London, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. These projects showcase Kaplicky's ability to create buildings that are both functional and aesthetically striking.

Legacy:
Kaplicky's legacy as an architect is profound. He is widely regarded as one of the most distinguished architects and designers of the 20th and 21st centuries. His innovative approach to architecture and his commitment to sustainability have influenced generations of architects and designers. Kaplicky's buildings have become iconic landmarks in their respective cities, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary architects.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this monograph provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration into the life and work of John Kaplicky. It sheds light on his architectural achievements, his influences, and his impact on the architectural landscape of the 20th and 21st centuries. Kaplicky's legacy as an architect is enduring, and his buildings continue to inspire and influence architects and designers around the world.

Weight: 2024g
Dimension: 252 x 280 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783869050256