Biography
1949 - born in Prague
1964-68 - studied furniture design at the School of Applied Arts in Prague
1968 - emigrated to Germany
1969 - studied architecture in Hamburg
1973 - graduation
1973 - studied philosophy in Stuttgart
1977-79 - assistant lecturer at the Institute of Industrial Design, Hanover University
1979 - doctorate in Architecture at the Technical University in Delft (thesis on the theme “Relationship between architecture and semiology“)
1979-83 - lectureship at Essen University (design – theory)
1983 - moved to Amsterdam, where he set up an architecture and design studio
1983 - awarded the German Architecture Prize for a glass house for his sister (Hamburg)
1989 - awarded the Dutch Kho Liang le Prize for design
1990 - appointed Professor of Architecture at the University of Applied Arts in Prague (until 1997)
1991 - named Architect of Prague Castle by the President of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel
1991 - award of the French Government La Croix Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Artes et des Lettres
1994 - prince Bernhard Foundation Prize for architecture and applied arts
1996 - moved to Prague indefinitely
1997 - named Professor of Architecture at Universität für Angewandte Kunst in Vienna
1999 - founded the Šípek Associates architectural studio
Šípek’s most distinct architectural projects are as follows:
Museum of Modern Art project in Den Bosch (Netherlands). Boutique for Karl Lagerfeld (Paris). The new entrance to the President’s Office at the second court of Prague Castle. Reconstruction of Prague Castle Picture Gallery. Design of the interior of the workroom of the President of the Czech Republic. Reconstruction of the footbridge over Chotkova street in Prague. Facade of the Komatsu department store in Tokyo. Private houses in Holland and Germany. Family house in Prague 6. Residential house in Prague-Bubenec etc.