Lecture & Documentary: Architecture 58-89

Architecture 58–89 explores the creative ambition, political constraints, and lasting legacy of Czechoslovak architecture.
About the documentary:
The film traces the most original architectural works created in Czechoslovakia between 1958–1989, from Expo 58 and late modernism to brutalism and postmodernism. Produced under centralized state control, many of these landmark buildings are now endangered, neglected, or demolished, raising urgent questions about preservation, memory, and identity. (Directed by Jan Zajíček, co-writer Vladimir 518, 100 min, English subtitles)
Guest Speaker
Vladimir 518 is a prominent Czech multidisciplinary artist, publisher, and cultural historian recognized for his work across visual art, architecture publishing, and film. He originated the idea for the documentary and served as co-writer.
In addition to his visual and publishing work, he is an acclaimed Czech rapper, graphic designer, comics writer, and illustrator, and the founder of the Czech hip-hop label BiggBoss. His wide-ranging interests span music, graphic design, and sociological portraiture, including two books and the documentary TV series Tribes (Kmeny).
This interdisciplinary approach is also reflected in his initiative to research and co-author Architecture 58–89, a landmark publication examining Czechoslovak brutalist and late modernist architecture created during the Czechoslovak communist era.
Event Details:
Date/Time: March 9, 2026, 5:30 pm to 8 pm
Location: University of Maryland
School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation Auditorium
3835 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20742
Admission is free | Reservation required: https://arch5889.eventbrite.com

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Host or Publisher Embassy of the Czech Republic