The New Europe

In May 2004, Europe was redefined. Ten countries - Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia - joined the European Union. This was greeted the world over as a truly significant historical event, as the majority of the joining states were under communist rule less than two decades ago. Each of these countries is only at the beginning of a process of cultural and political change. Out of the question of the identity of contemporary architecture in these countries also arises a more complex issue: the identity of a new Europe, which is capable of cultural richness and ethnic diversity.
This issue of Architectural Design will provide an impartial view on crucial issues contemporary architecture has to cope with. It takes a wider look at the Eastern European countries - largely because the local contemporary architecture scenes are flourishing, and are dealing with more complex issues, such as how the new generational fringe of architects respond to the present transition and to the relationship between national heritage and new global trends. Alongside these key essays will be a selection of shorter pieces on single buildings or on architectural practices, which express fresh architectural initiatives.
SERIES: Architectural Design