Czech Centre London

Women in Focus: Lenka Petráková

Czech Centre’s Women in Focus series returns this March, once again exploring the field of architecture. After an inspiring evening with world-renowned Czech-born architect Eva Jiřičná in September 2023, we are delighted to welcome Lenka Petráková, Associate at Zaha Hadid Architects.

Throughout her career, Lenka has explored architecture through engineering, design, and legal frameworks, shaping her holistic approach to the built environment. She condensed 20 years of study into just 13, balancing full-time work and education. This dual perspective has enabled groundbreaking academic projects and informed her professional practice, particularly in leading projects atZaha Hadid Architects. A key milestone was The 8th ContinentⓇ – Ocean Cleaning and Research Station, which reinforced her commitment to sustainable architecture. Her research focuses on evolving design strategies for sustainability, explored in her PhD, and decarbonising construction through legal and procurement strategies at King’s College London.

She will discuss the challenges of pushing beyond societal limits on ambition, the importance of a strong support network, and the drive that fuels her continuous pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

Lenka Petráková 

Associate, Zaha Hadid Architects

Before joining Zaha Hadid Architects in 2017, Lenka gained international experience in New York, Vienna, and Bratislava. She specialises in design development and technical coordination across residential, hospitality, and office projects. Currently, she is  Lead Architect for the Le Schuylkill refurbishment in Monaco, overseeing design, planning, and team management.

Her expertise spans Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East. She has played a key role in major office projects in China, including Taikang Headquarters (Wuhan), OPPO Headquarters (Shenzhen) and CECEP (Shanghai),], focusing on planning, technical coordination, and interior design.

Lenka completed her PhD in 2024 on Design Inspired by Nature. Her passion for sustainability has earned her prestigious awards, including the 2020 GRAND PRIX AWARD from the Jacques Rougerie Foundation and the 2022 Peace Prize from The International Peace Committee. Her work has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale, the UN Ocean Conference, and 2020 Dubai Expo.

She holds degrees in Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Urban Design from the Slovak University of Technology and a Master’s from the University of Applied Arts. In 2023, she is pursuing Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at King’s College London, reinforcing her commitment to guiding projects from concept to completion.

Lenka will be in conversation with Marko Margeta

Marko Margeta

Marko Margeta is an Associate at Bjarke Ingels Group in London, with over 20 years of experience in the AEC and CGI industries, including 11 years specialising in computational design. A registered architect, designer, and computational specialist, he has broad expertise in BIM, sustainability, procedural and parametric design. His diverse portfolio spans projects of all scales—from product design to large-scale masterplans—realised internationally, including in China, the Middle East, and Germany.

Event took place on Tue 18 Mar 2025 19:00, Czech Centre at the Czech Embassy Cinema.

More information about upcoming events:

https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/program

#womeninfocus #czechcentrelondon #lenkapetrakova

 

(when) Art Talks: Identita

In the latest episode of (when) Art Talks, we explore the rich history of Czech graphic design through the lens of Identity, a groundbreaking multi-genre project. Our guests are co-author Filip Blažek and producer Michal Gregorini.

Join our host Sabina Tocháčková as she uncovers insights and behind-the-scenes stories from the project's creation.

https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/ 

#(when)arttalks #identita

(when) Art Talks: The Smetana Trio

In this episode of (when) Art Talks, we explore the rich legacy and artistry of the Smetana Trio, one of the most renowned Czech chamber ensembles. Celebrating 90 years since its founding, the trio continues to perform on the world’s most iconic stages, including earlier this month at the Wigmore Hall. 

Join our host, Sabina Tocháčková, and learn more about their history, inspiration, and artistic journey.

 

https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/

#(when)arttalks #thesmetanatrio

Glimpses of the Festival: Closing Gala with Pavel Šporcl

On 30th November, the stunning Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre hosted the gala concert of this year’s Made in Prague Festival, featuring internationally acclaimed Czech violinist Pavel Šporcl alongside the English Chamber Orchestra. Listen to the audio reportage, experience the beautiful performance of the English Chamber Orchestra and Pavel Šporcl for yourself, and hear the guests' delighted reactions.

More information about the 28th Made in Prague Festival events: 

https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/projects/28th-made-in-prague-festival

#madeinpraguefestival #closinggala #pavelsporcl #southbankcentre

Glimpses of the Festival: Inspired by Kafka

On Tuesday evening, November 26th, the Coronet Theatre in London became a portal to the surreal and unsettling world of Franz Kafka as it hosted an event entitled Inspired by Kafka: Insectum K. & Joseph Kilian. This evening brought together cinematic masterpieces and a mesmerising dance performance, celebrating the centenary of Kafka’s legacy. Listen to the audio reportage, step into Kafka´s world for a few moments and hear the thoughts of visitors and performers.

More information about the 28th Made in Prague Festival events: 

https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/projects/28th-made-in-prague-festival

 

#madeinpraguefestival #inspiredbykafka #coronettheatre