Timber Constructions Show, Salon dřevostaveb, is a unique exhibition started up in order to present and promote a high quality contemporary Czech architecture in the area of timber constructions. Its conception goes beyond a traditional exhibition or conference and aims at being open and attractive presentation of modern architecture introducing to its visitors the best of the Czech timber construction architecture.
The core of the Show is an exhibition where the best timber constructions built during the previous year in the Czech Republic are presented. The quality of the architecture is the main criteria for the Show participation. Therefore, it is not surprising to see that majority of the projects at the Show are unique architectural works of outstanding Czech architects in the field of timber construction, whether timber construction is their main specialisation or one of their architectural alternatives. Other aspects of the projects selection for the Show are up-to-date implementation of the projects (mostly previous year), substantial use of timber, emphasis on environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.
The goal of the Timber Constructions Show is to allow the visitors to see that not only the traditional log houses and the historical timber frame buildings but also the high quality modern architecture is part of the timber construction.
A wide-banner presentation is dedicated to each project implementation. The multimedia presentations introducing individual projects in a different way took part in the specifically assigned section of the Show and it was also possible to watch them in the main conference hall outside the scheduled lectures.
Timber Construction Yearbook, Ročenka dřevostaveb, together with the exhibition forms two main pillars of the Show. The Yearbook summarises the exhibition thus becomes a comprehensive timber constructions guide to projects implemented in the during the previous year. It is available together with other specialised publications directly at the Show bookshop or it can be ordered at any time online at www.salondrevostaveb.cz
The specialised lectures on timber construction related issues form the third pillar of the Show. The Czech experts’ lectures were complemented by renowned international lecturers who brought in an international scale and overview. During last two years, the show had opportunity to welcome experts from Belgium, Canada, Norway, Austria and Finland.
Their lectures were well accepted by the audience and the lecturers themselves very much enjoyed their participation at the Timber Constructions Show. The actual meeting of experts from different parts of was as beneficial as the presentations for the visitors. The Czech and international experts had an opportunity to meet not only at the Timber Constructions Show in Letňany but also at the informal evening banquet right in centre of Prague. More then positive response has reassured our intention to invite international guests also in the following years.
The last four Timber Constructions Shows were centred in Timber Constructions Fair organised at the end of February and beginning of March in Letňany Exhibition Centre and were always visited by a number of enthusiasts as well as professionals. Originally only a few days long. Timber Constructions Show has gradually become more or less a year-long event. Following the Prague presentation, the Show will be introduced in Ostrava, Olomouc, and at the end of September and beginning of October, it will form part of Architecture Week 2009, an international festival of modern architecture.
As the main accompanying program of the Fair, the eye-catching conception of the Show and its specific position within the exhibition will be followed in the future. We aim to present timber constructions along with other technologies and approaches as an attractive “alternative” to the modern lifestyle.