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The absurd humor of political ceremonies—Interview with Nikola Mihov | Printed Pasts
Nikola Mihov is a Bulgarian artist, photographer, and curator based in Sofia. In his photobook He Breaks, He Cuts, He Spills (published by Janet 45 in 2021) we can see Todor Zhivkov, Bulgaria’s former Communist leader, doing three repetitive gestures during welcoming and opening ceremonies: breaking bread, cutting ribbons,
lifestyle
Be sure to watch these Eastern European films! | TOP 5
In the classic sense, Hollywood has been the capital of the film industry since the invention of the moving image. However, our region also produces a number of films every year that are not only successful in our country, but also, fortunately, win many of the most prestigious international awards.
design
Mythical spirits and being at home around the world—interview with jewelry designer Elvira Golombosi
Elvira Golombosi spent the first seven years of her life in the southwestern corner of Ukraine, in Transcarpathia. Embraced by the Carpathian Mountains, this region is a quite unique in that it borders Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and Romania, making it a melting pot of different cultures and influences. As a
lifestyle
Retro cartoons from Eastern Europe | TOP 5
It was a special turn of events in the dull days following the end of World War II. Lovely, instructive stories were created for children to grow up with, for the whole of Generation X and Y. Their atmosphere is utterly captivating and their impact endures to this day. Let’
business
Shallow gold diggers?
How and why did the stereotypes about Eastern European women emerge?
Stereotypes have been, are, and most probably will be in the future, and females are highly affected by them: there are stereotypes based on women’s age, body type, social class, and background. The „Eastern European woman” has always
lifestyle
Hidden and authentic | Documentary photos from Moldova
Rusty red stars and carport behind the church, horses and Ladas, children and old people playing happily. The documentary images on the Raw/Moldova website show small, joyful and absurd scenes of urban and rural life in Moldova. We asked the creators of the site about the project.
You started
design
East-Central European cooperation in the pantry | Odessa Market
Although the rise of supermarkets and fast-food chains has pushed traditional food consumption into the background, it is increasingly common to find our way back to our traditional gastronomic heritage. For years now, shopping at markets has become a trend (and a conscious move), fine dining restaurants are reimagining grandma’
lifestyle
Photobooks for under the tree | Regional Gift Guide
The year 2022 has once again seen the publication of some exceptional photobooks by artists from Central and Eastern Europe, and others choosing the region as their subject. We have included some of our favorites in today’s selection.
Bára Prášilová: Circles
Surreal and bizarre images, with a touch of
design
Design objects are fun! | Regional Gift Guide—design edition
In the latest episode of our Regional Gift Guide, we collected design items that can lift the spirit of your loved ones and make their daily life more beautiful, be it a unique decorative item, a piece of furniture, a home textile, or even a utility object. From the wallet-friendly
design
Ephemerality cast in porcelain—Štefan Sekáč’s art
They are at once delightful and thought-provoking, while also remaining functional: Štefan Sekáč’s objects are shaped by aesthetics, experimentation, and, not least, criticism.
The Slovak designer says that his love of ceramics and porcelain began to develop after he was accepted at the secondary school of arts in Košice.
lifestyle
Working together for the city | The Bulgarian Team Sofia
Team Sofia is an association of experts, citizens, and organizations committed to the future of Sofia. They spoke about projects, plans, and challenges in their presentation at the Hungarian Contemporary Architecture Centre in Budapest.
“We believe that our city needs to start to be governed in a new way, and
lifestyle
Sneaking into the past: the heyday of urbex in Eastern Europe
Most of us pass by the once vibrant, but now abandoned and dilapidated buildings with a mixture of nostalgia and rue. But not everyone leaves it at that: urbexers (urban explorers) are dedicated to discovering places, often illegally, that still have the charm of the past but are now deserted.
lifestyle
Memories and images—portraits of Eastern European artists at the Verzió Film Festival
The 19th Verzió International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival will once again feature a number of poignant and inspiring stories. We now recommend four films that present major Eastern European artists.
Fragile Memory
Leonid Burlaka was a renowned Soviet cinematographer working at the Odessa Film Studios and on films such
lifestyle
The rhythm of Eastern Europe is in Budapest again
For the seventh year running, the Budapest Showcase Hub will bring the latest and most exciting Eastern European performers to Budapest between 19 and 21 October.
In the daytime, you can attend discussions of music experts at the Fészek Artists’ Club, while in the evening, you can dance to the
art
Lana Del Rey, Eastern Europe’s Pop Queen
According to a recently published map, Lana Del Rey is the most streamed pop-girl in seven countries in Eastern Europe. What could be the reason for the American star’s success in the region, known for her melancholic songs? That’s what Rolling Stone magazine sought to find out.
Earlier
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Treasure hunt in the coolest record stores | TOP 5
Nostalgic atmosphere, hours of searching, exciting covers, new genres and never-heard-before performers. You find the right one, take it out of the case, put it on the player, lower the needle, the vinyl squeaks and the music starts—the sound is perfect. Vinyls are experiencing their true renaissance, so in
hungary
The wonderful linen | TOP 5
In the heatwave that lasts for weeks, one of the hardest tasks is figuring out what to wear that is at once breezy yet comfortable to wear. The dress made of natural linen is not only comfortable, but also really pleasant and always fashionable for summer wear. In our selection
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The most beautiful railway lines in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
A train ride can evoke countless feelings in us: the rumbling train, the slowly passing landscape, and the experience of traveling can evoke nostalgic images of the memories of our childhood. We haven’t had many opportunities to travel in the past year, which is why we’re thirsty for
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Summer, sunshine, free beaches | TOP 5
The first stronger rays of the sun in May all reminded us of the beautiful memories of past summers. We hope that we will have the opportunity to have new experiences again this year. In addition to good weather and sunshine, all that is needed is a pleasant waterfront environment:
community
Magical villages in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
A charming feature of Eastern Europe is that life does not stop beyond city borders. The legendary village romance alone carries with it the nurturing of traditions, symbiosis with nature and rural virtue. In our selection today, we chose villages that are perfect examples of how, beyond these characteristics, villages
architecture
Exceptional meeting of a bygone era and contemporary architecture | WineList wine bar
The older a wine is, the tastier and juicier it gets—a basic principle known even to those who do not regularly consume the alcoholic juice made from grapes. But does this fact apply to the various wine bars as well? Do buildings with a long history create a better
architecture
Stylish showrooms in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
It is important for all brands to address potential customers not only with their high-quality products and ingenious online campaigns, but also to make the purchasing process an experience in some way. One of the best ways to do this today is to design a stylish showroom, where visitors can
architecture
Exciting graphics, stunning interiors—cafés from the region with a stylish identity | TOP 5
Dazzling sunshine, freshly baked pastries, specialty coffee with a delicious smell and, of course, a pleasant terrace on a cozy street in the city center—you would think that all the conditions are in place to open the perfect café! However, in addition to the quality of the coffee, it
art
Award-winning Ukrainian films everyone should watch at least once
Since its independence, Ukraine has placed great emphasis on national film production. During the 30 years, cinema has gone through different periods, from stagnation to rebirth, and then to the international awards it received at the Cannes, Berlin, Locarno and Karlovy Vary film festivals. Unfortunately, the Ukrainian film heritage was
architecture
The embrace of nature—Fabulous public parks in the region | TOP 5
Beyond all doubt, the best months are now to come. The sun is warming our faces with its golden rays once again, the branches of the trees are full of fresh buds and colorful flowers are sprouting from the green grass. It’s time to spend as much time as
art
We need to see these at the Venice Biennale! | In the region 2
In 2022, everything’s all about arts in Venice again, as the 59th Venice Biennale starts on 23 April. In our series starting now, we weekly present our most expected exhibitions, official collateral events and pavilions from the most exciting projects of the region and the international scene. Stay tuned
branding
Healthy snacks from Eastern Europe | TOP 5
A fun evening with friends; relaxing on the couch after a hard day; a few minutes of rest between the never-ending hours of working or studying—moments when we can definitely use some tasty snacks. But after a good snack, we often feel guilty, because salty snacks with artificial flavor
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We need to see these at the Venice Biennale! | In the region 1
In 2022, everything’s all about arts in Venice again, as the 59th Venice Biennale starts on 23 April. In our series starting now, we weekly present our most expected exhibitions, official collateral events and pavilions from the most exciting projects of the region and the international scene. Stay tuned
design
The idyllic world of the sunny beach is evoked by the identity of the Polish jewelry brand DOBRO
A piece of jewelry can be important to us in many ways: it can be linked to a dear memory, it can remind us of a special occasion or experience, but it can also brighten up our appearance during grey weekdays. Handmade, unique jewelry is an even more valuable treasure
design
Practical and stylish backpacks from Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Backpacks are undoubtedly one of the most practical accessories, because wherever you go, you can find the right piece for every occasion, be it theatre, work or shopping. In addition to the sporty, casual and elegant styles, you can choose the most ideal size for you, from very small city
architecture
A popular Polish comics' characters come to life on this special playground!
Looking at the little ones running around in the playgrounds, we often wonder how nice it was to try the slides that looked steep at the time, or to sit on the swings that almost flew us to the sky. Although our dimensions do not necessarily allow us to use
architecture
This is how a minimalist family house was built from a historic windmill!
Following the later fate of an old, abandoned building that no longer serves its purpose, is always fascinating. Thanks to creative studios and innovative technologies, almost any abandoned building that is in poor condition can be reborn and then become habitable. This is also the case with the historic windmill,
architecture
These stylish holiday homes will immediately get you in the mood for a hike! | TOP 5
Although sometimes the warm spring rays peek out from behind the gray clouds, unfortunately, for the really good weather, it looks like we will have to wait a while. Nevertheless, on our days off, it is worth going out and taking small and large walks, after all, what could break
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The wonderful landscapes of Ukraine through the eyes of Ukrainian designers
At present, the whole world—and, of course, we along with it—is focused on Ukraine. The state in Eastern Europe celebrated its 30th anniversary of independence last year, but is now fighting for its freedom. Home to many talented creators, artists and creative professionals, the country is also rightly
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Even experts are dazzled by these special gourmet shops in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Although our food shopping habits are truly different and may vary from person to person, the majority agree that the overwhelming crowds of the shops—which we can expect most in the late afternoon and early evening—the queues at the registers and the long minutes of waiting are all
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Special handicrafts in an unusual environment | VALAMI Hazai
In the eighth district of Budapest, at 14 Práter Street, we can find a really exciting concept: on one side of the gate is the VALAMI Produktív All-Arts Workshop, and on the other the VALAMI Hazai Fine and Applied Art Design Store selling design objects. In this not-so-ordinary environment, which
design
Stylish-looking alcoholic beverages from Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Most of us like to drink a glass of alcohol from time to time, be it a fine wine with dinner, an exotic cocktail in an elegant bar, or a glass of special champagne for a festive occasion. Choosing the right drink depends as much on our mood and taste
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Book dispensers promote reading in Poland
Unfortunately, paging through printed books is increasingly being pushed into the background these days. With the advent of tablets and e-books, the popularity of book-buying began to decline rapidly. But it’s not just the paper format that’s the problem: it’s a common phenomenon worldwide for adults to
architecture
Breathtaking school buildings in the region | TOP 5
Functionality is undoubtedly the most important factor in the case of an educational building. Of course, this does not mean that the boringly familiar places in every educational institution, such as the canteen, the classroom or even the corridors, cannot get an exciting look. Professional design offices create schools that
architecture
Holiday homes that dazzle everyone with their minimalist elegance | Domki Szumilas
Lubiatowo is a small Polish village right on the shores of the Baltic Sea, bordered by white sand dunes and magnificent pine forests. In this fabulous landscape, the three latest, minimalist, noble wood-covered pieces of the Szumilas project holiday homes await guests wishing to relax and unwind. The clean-style cottages
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Sculptures wrapped in textiles by Magdalena Abakanowicz
Magdalena Abakanowicz, Polish sculptor and textile artist, revolutionized two disciplines at once, as she got into sculpturing through the technique of weaving. The most complete collection of her work can be found in the National Museum in Wrocław. The monographic exhibition at Pawilonie Czterech Kopuł presents this extremely rich collection,
architecture
Gorgeous bus stations in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Everyone is aware of the benefits of public transport: it is environmentally friendly, ideally fast, and well-built, making it easy and practical to use. Thanks to the positive qualities listed above, millions of people get on a bus or tram every day. However, fewer of us realize that if we
architecture
Minimalist summer residence in Poland
After a gray, tiring and hectic workday, we can’t wait to finally have some good weather and relax in a quiet, intimate place, away from the noise of the city. This Polish lakeside holiday home, with its huge terrace and fabulous panorama, lined with pine trees that reach almost
design
Stunning restaurant identities from Eastern Europe | TOP 5
When visiting a catering unit, we focus primarily on gastronomic experiences. The taste, appearance and serving of the food are undeniably important in creating the image of a restaurant, but we should not forget about the design of an interior that fits the theme and the matching brand identity. In
art
It doesn’t matter if you were born after 89, the iron playgrounds still shape your identity | Interview with curator Tamás Don
In the exhibition Borderline Case—which opened its doors to the public on 22 January—Hungarian, Polish, Czech, Slovak and Romanian artists born after 1989 explore the relationship with their own regional identities. What can the region do, after being conditioned to forget its own past in order to move
architecture
The most stylish loft apartments in the region | TOP 5
Any big city you head to is sure to be met with aesthetically unpleasing, abandoned factory buildings that spoil the cityscape. The redevelopment of areas declared as rust belts pose a number of problems, so the plant halls that were once used for industrial purposes will remain empty for many
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Edible beetles in vibrant colors | BUGBAG
The inclusion of edible beetles in our diet has been recommended for years by researchers and experts in the field, yet many still resent their consumption. However, with the ingenious packaging of the brand BUGBAG, which sells edible arthropods, they want to make the appearance of non-ordinary food more attractive
architecture
Homes of contemporary arts—cultural centers in the region | TOP 5
Perhaps the most important aspect in the preparation of the plans of a cultural center is the creation of complex spaces that can accommodate several branches of art at the same time. This requires easily adaptable auditoriums that are very practical but often less aesthetic. However, in our selection today,
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Roaming the fabulous landscapes of Slovenia | Upper Carniola region
After the holidays, we return to the gray, cold, windy January days. Although winter will stay with us for another two months, we can already start planning the route of our first spring hike. For our readers’ pleasure, we present the magnificent region of Upper Carniola in northern Slovenia, where
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Infrastructures in the CEE region
Growth in the CEE region created a demand for new infrastructures that were unimaginable during the second half of the 20th century. Naturally, this demand is the result of not only the liberation from Communist regimes but also the altered global economic scene. By the turn of the Millenium, a
design
One day with Karla Gruszecka in Warsaw
Karolina Gruszecka is a modern, urban woman, and works as a contributing fashion editor to Vogue Poland besides being a successful fashion stylist. Her vibrant personality, boundless energy, and creativity can be found in everything she puts her name to. Karla gives her all in everything she does, which is
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Playing with lights—the garden of the Wilanów Palace with special lighting
With the arrival of winter, the number of sunny hours is unfortunately declining. As Christmas approaches, the streets and parks are dressing up in festive decorations, but in the months after New Year, it’s hard to get ourselves out of the warmth of our home despite the cold weather.
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Büfé Xmas—Christmas dishes
Although gastronomy has changed a lot over the past decades, with new trends emerging almost weekly, the delicacies on the Christmas table somehow seem to remain constant. We look for flavors that we grew up on and the dishes we can enjoy together, regardless of generation. In this special edition
architecture
An old windmill was remodeled into a residential house in Poland
Rethinking disused buildings that have lost their function is always an exciting challenge for architects. Thanks to creative solutions and innovative technologies, almost any building that is abandoned or in poor condition can now become habitable. This was also the case with the windmill in the vicinity of Lublin, Poland,
design
Special concepts, unique graphic design—creative studios in the region | TOP 5
In the endless sea of information that reaches us, it would be hard to remember exactly every ad, but if we come across a well-designed identity—be it food, cosmetics or some kind of service—we immediately notice it and remember that brand. In our selection today, we present Eastern
architecture
Old materials come to life in the Lolita Eipprova café in Ljubljana
During a refurbishment, a myriad of materials in good condition end up in the trash that are classified as waste, which is not an environmentally and financially beneficial process. However, we still have to wait for the widespread adoption of green technologies, and their application will take more time and
art
The most promising new wave bands in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Discovering new bands is always a refreshing change on gray weekdays, especially if we’re just getting bored of our current playlists and want to update them by adding a few more special songs. In our selection today, we present bands from the region that dazzle us not only with
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Unconventional galleries from Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Unusual themes and unusual settings characterize these Eastern European exhibition spaces. Join us and find out what the ‘gallery’ name can cover!
Budapest Poster Gallery | Hungary
The gallery, founded in 2010, focuses on twentieth-century Hungarian and international art. Its offer is unique in its kind: featuring original posters, poster designs
architecture
The ORA architectural studio has revived this Czech wine house
The ORA studio has given the wine house in Pavlov, Czech Republic, a new guise. During the project, the renovated winery complex was expanded with additional spaces, including an imposing wine bar and a cozy terrace. Get to know the story of Reisten, renewed in the spirit of a raw
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The world-class design that surrounds us: decorative awareness at the 360 Design Budapest
The most innovative creations of the Hungarian and regional design scene were on show again this year—the 360 Design Budapest exhibition, showcasing revolutionary new design trends, dreamed up by the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency, has reopened for a week at Bálna Budapest. After last year’s success, the event
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Stories behind exciting photo series from the region | TOP 5
To nostalgize, to take photos in a therapeutic way, or in this way to preserve the last days of a passing tribe. From the magnificent landscapes of Eastern Europe, the determined photographers travel to even the most unimaginable city in the world to show the true beauty of the landscapes
design
Design shops in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Have you ever stepped into a store and had the feeling that you have arrived at the right place? We were looking for such places for our selection today: shops that will surely leave you speechless when you enter. From the limited series of unique designer pieces to the small
community
Magical villages in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
A charming feature of Eastern Europe is that life does not stop beyond city borders. The legendary village romance alone carries with it the nurturing of traditions, symbiosis with nature and rural virtue. In our selection today, we chose villages that are perfect examples of how, beyond these characteristics, villages
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Eastern European accessory and bag overview | TOP 5
Each bag has its own story. Without over-mystifying this fashion item, we can rightly claim it to be more than a simple accessory. It can be huge or even tiny, aesthetic, practical or even all this at once. One thing is for sure: it is an essential piece that can
architecture
Sports fields in the heart of the city | TOP 5
For those who do not like to play sports between the four walls, but would rather move under the open sky with the pace of the city, it can always be a good solution to train in the local park, using its facilities. Fortunately, more and more cities are developing
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Lace creations and other wonderful lingerie from Eastern Europe | TOP 5
An almost invisible, yet extremely important accessory can be a pretty lingerie. There is an overwhelming force in the fineness of the materials, the endless variation of styles, colors and patterns. From the harmony or even disharmony of comfort and aesthetics, wonderful creations can be born. From our selection today,
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Refreshing thirst quenchers from Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Ice-chilled, bubbly, sweet or just refreshingly sour aromas: in our selection today we picked from the iconic and lesser-known soft drink brands of Eastern Europe. Welcome and drink them with love!
Dr. Filler | Austria
The brand Dr. Filler was founded in Austria in 2014, which is everything but unusual. The
other
The most charming pedestrian streets in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Whether the city is an unfamiliar terrain or an old familiar one: exploring the city and your favorite streets is an unmissable program of travel—from studying local people and monuments to observing buildings and landscapes. Every city has a different atmosphere and ambiance—which is exactly why you can’
community
Incredible marathons in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
We walk, then hurry, jog, run, rush, sprint and gallop: language can perfectly convey the nuances of movement, which has a lot of ways. Somehow this can be the case in marathons as well: one route, yet there are plenty of solutions. In our selection today, we present the marathons
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Flavor tour in the top delicatessens of Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Appetizing wines and more and more delicious snacks: essential ingredients for a pleasant summer evening. Whether it’s a gathering with friends, a date or even a light dinner, it’s better not to miss out on the ones listed. Probably the way not only to a man’s heart
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On the shores of seas | TOP 5
Beaches are strange corners of the world: with the salty air, the sound of seagulls and the roar of the sea, we slow down, turn off our phones and live for today. Our selection today is an overview of the most pleasant coastal cities, where, in addition to relaxation, there
architecture
Special pop-up stores | TOP 5
Unusual opening hours, exclusive programs and an overwhelming design: for a pop-up store, all three features are correct. Today, across Eastern Europe, we can find countless exciting examples of pop-up stores, originally conquering the USA, open for a limited time and colored with events. In our selection today, we collected
architecture
The worn-out charm of socialist modernist architecture | TOP 5
In Central and Eastern Europe, we tend to associate modern architecture of the second half of the twentieth century with socialism, so it is no wonder that the perception of modern buildings in these countries is generally negative. The monumental but now decaying memories of the socialist era are more
design
The cycle of plastic | PLASTLO
Old refrigerators, discarded electronic products, sewing machine spools and cosmetic jars. We could rightly ask the question: what connects the objects listed above? Not only are they made of plastic one by one, but they are also difficult to recycle after losing their function.
PLASTLO, based in Prague, wants to
architecture
Spas in modern guise | TOP 5
A spa can be of many types: a modern building with a historical look, floating in elegant splendor or satisfying all needs. In our selection today, we looked for examples of the latter. We have chosen our favorites from the baths and spas that speak the language of modern and
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Treasure hunt in the coolest record stores | TOP 5
Nostalgic atmosphere, hours of searching, exciting covers, new genres and never-heard-before performers. You find the right one, take it out of the case, put it on the player, lower the needle, the vinyl squeaks and the music starts—the sound is perfect. Vinyls are experiencing their true renaissance, so in
architecture
East by KONNTRA | 5 thought-provoking buildings
You can read about one of the most important and internationally recognized residential buildings in Split, the house of a Slovenian architect, a memorial park in eastern Croatia and the oldest and partly open-air shopping center in Skopje. The KONNTRA team has collected buildings that also shape their own history
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The wonderful linen | TOP 5
In the heatwave that lasts for weeks, one of the hardest tasks is figuring out what to wear that is at once breezy yet comfortable to wear. The dress made of natural linen is not only comfortable, but also really pleasant and always fashionable for summer wear. In our selection
architecture
Breathtaking design hotels | TOP 5
It is not the size or the dominant style that determines the essence of a design hotel. Whether it is a hotel with a few suites or hundreds of rooms, following ultramodern or architectural traditions, the common point is the approach to design, the maximalism of quality and aesthetics down
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“By no means is it certain that Eastern Europe was a follower in all aspects”—Interview with Gábor Ébli
Gábor Ébli’s book titled National Museums and Civic Patrons. Practices of Cultural Accumulation in Central and Eastern Europe, provides insight into the relationship between public and private collections within Central and Eastern Europe, summarized by a selection of forty of his writings. The aim of Ébli’s English-language book
architecture
Stunning buildings of star architects in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Star architects are known for their distinctive, immediately identifiable style and monumental buildings. These buildings go beyond modernity, reflect much more on their surroundings and the function of the building than the high average, and last but not least, adorn cities as spatial installations and works of art. Let’s
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East by MADA_Belgrade | 5 Insta profiles worth following
This time, Nikola Andonov, Aleksandar Ristović and Stefan Stojanović, the founders of architecture studio MADA shared Insta feeds with a Belgradian feel to them. Let’s check them out!
@belgraderaw
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A post shared by Belgrade Raw (@belgraderaw)
@marka_zvaka
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A
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One lake, thousands of possibilities | TOP 5
A lake is not only an excellent place for summer bathing. It is the perfect place to relax all year round, whether it’s a light waterfront walk or a boat trip. In our selection today, we looked at some of the most inviting lakes and boating lakes in Eastern
büfé
Büfé #6—Syrups, soft drinks
On a sultry-hot summer day, nothing quenches the thirst quite as well as an ice-cold drink. Yet on those days when squeezing lemons for a lemonade seems like a drag and even the thought of a beer makes us dizzy, it is time for the golden oldies. They are sweet,
gastronomy
Eastern Europe's favorite tea brands | TOP 5
Consumption of tea is topical in all seasons, as it feels good when it is both cold and warm, at any time of the day. If you also like to go with your eyes open and discover new brands, we recommend this compilation for you, as we gathered small and
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Kyiv in the language of typography | KYIV TYPE
Sebastian Schubmehl’s thesis, KYIV TYPE, approaches and presents the design scene of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, in a way that fills a gap. A beautiful, large publication that gives an intimate insight into the life of the city, showcasing its inhabitants and a special design publication.
Throughout the project,
architecture
More than a flower shop | ARKA Flower Shop
The Ukrainian Maly Krasota Design studio undertook a big task in designing the newly opened ARKA store. The parameters were given: the windowless space of a basement that the designers wanted to make the most of. One of the biggest challenges in designing the interior of the store was the
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East by MADA_Belgrade | 5 songs and 1 film that'll get you in the Belgrade mood
Belgrade’s musical symbols, the city’s favorite artist, a song evoking the eighties and a film, or rather an urban comedy in the Belgrade night: today, we recommend songs and a movie.
This time, Nikola Andonov, Aleksandar Ristović, and Stefan Stojanović, the founders of architecture studio MADA, help us
architecture
Wonderful observatories | TOP 5
Inaccessible distances and incomprehensible scientific facts: the never-ending mysteries of outer space arouse childish curiosity in almost everyone. Today’s selection was compiled from the most beautiful observatories in Eastern Europe. Enjoy reading and the clear sky!
Kuffner-Sternwarte | Austria
The Kuffner observatory is housed in an imposing building designed by
architecture
Romanian homes in foggy landscapes | Felicia Simion
The works of Bucharest-based artist and freelance photographer Felicia Simion are balancing between raw reality and a misty dream world: she creates her own universe in her sensitive works.
In her 2017 series of photographs ’H o m e’, she explored her country, Romania’s roads, to document country-specific buildings
architecture
View of Eastern Europe | TOP 5
The hiking season is already on, so in our selection today we brought a related topic. The culmination of many hikes is when we reach a lookout tower and relax there admiring the view that unfolds before us. In our top list today, we have collected five lookout towers, outstanding
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East by MADA_Belgrade | 5 places worth exploring
One of Belgrade’s most characteristic islands, the atmosphere of the city’s port on the Danube, a mysterious underground city, a museum that has never been built and the best view onto Belgrade’s old town: find out about all of them in today’s article.
This time Nikola
architecture
A drink above the city | TOP 5
How does it feel to get a glimpse into the life of a lively, vibrant, colorful big city, to watch the traffic of a rushing city, or just the serenity of a crystal clear sky? Our selection today, if not up close, makes it possible. We have collected the most
architecture
The most beautiful gates and entrances in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Many exciting stories begin this way: in front of the entrance, checking the magical gate. What do these ornate doors hide? Architectural masterpieces, implementations of individual ideas. Legends of buildings begin and then unfold here. Now we, too, tell the story through five beautiful gates, selected from churches and residential
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East by MADA_Belgrade | 5 buildings that talk about the city
A museum closed for ten years, Europe’s largest auditorium, an abandoned building complex originally giving home to gigantic exhibitions that lost its function in World War II, and the blocks of Belgrade’s smallest but most densely populated district are all featured in our article.
This time Nikola Andonov,
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Success, glamor and huge hits | TOP 5
Success, glamor, and recognition: for a painter, many times, life is not long enough to really become successful. Hard work, management, a lot of time and energy invested from both the creator’s and the gallery’s or auction site’s side. There’s not even an instant recipe for
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Special second-hand bookshops in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Forgotten stories, secret messages between the pages, valuable signatures: such books, full of mysticism, live in cellars, on the street, and more fortunately in second-hand bookshops, where they can find a new, loving owner. It is a sport of treasure hunters and lovers of the past, fortunately of whom there
architecture
Holiday houses, weekend cottages, second homes | TOP 5
Holiday house, weekend cottage, second home: all are countryside shelters for the urban man. A place where we can escape the noise of the city, where we have the opportunity to relax, get away from the daily grind. These places can be ultra-modern or just follow the architectural traditions of
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East by MADA_Belgrade | 3 books to read about the city
The Serbian capital through the adventures of an iconic skater; a novel infused with theories, researches and real stories about the city’s architecture; one of the greatest modernist developments of the 20th century or Belgrade without compromises, from a research and scientific angle. At our request, the founders of
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Sock brands from Eastern Europe | TOP 5
To everyone’s delight, there have been no rules for a long time when it comes to the pattern of socks. Socks are one of the real stars of clothing, and the best thing about them is that everyone can definitely find something they like from the wide selection. Crazy
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Special apartment buildings in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Located in the heart of the city center, the houses, typically built at the turn of the century, still stand safely to this day and are home to many people, offices and studios due to the aforementioned favorable location. It is not only the solid and massive foundations that are
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Water world behind the glass | TOP 5
The wonders and mysteries of the underwater world are not as far away from us as we might think. Fantastic aquatic creatures and wildlife are brought close to us by beautiful aquariums, no matter how far away we are from the original habitats. Today we have compiled our collection from
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Eastern European swimwear brands | TOP 5
One-piece or two-piece? Patterned or one color? These questions caused serious headaches when it came to swimwear even in our childhood. And the decision hasn’t been easier since: it’s not easy to find the perfect summer accessory. This piece of clothing also gives a lesson to a fashion
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Book recommendation from Ukraine | Architecture of Uzhhorod
A gap-filling and unique book on the architecture of Uzhhorod in Transcarpathia was published. The volume of architectural history was born in 2019 as a result of two years of research by Lina Degtyaryova and Oleg Olasin.
The bilingual publication, in which the informative texts can be read in both
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Summer, sunshine, free beaches | TOP 5
The first stronger rays of the sun in May all reminded us of the beautiful memories of past summers. We hope that we will have the opportunity to have new experiences again this year. In addition to good weather and sunshine, all that is needed is a pleasant waterfront environment:
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Music that connects us | KSO—Kyiv Symphony Orchestra
Designing brand identity is not an easy task. Such a challenge requires a high degree of creativity and sensitivity from the designer. The brand identity of KSO—Kyiv Symphony Orchestra was renewed in 2020 by the graphic design studio GRA Agency. The new visual appearance of the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra
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The most beautiful bookstores in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
One of the really lucky trends these days is that reading has come back in style. Be it contemporary or classical, Hungarian or world literature, reading has become cool. At the same time, more attention is being paid to bookstores. Like a library, these are the places we first meet
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The most beautiful railway lines in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
A train ride can evoke countless feelings in us: the rumbling train, the slowly passing landscape, and the experience of traveling can evoke nostalgic images of the memories of our childhood. We haven’t had many opportunities to travel in the past year, which is why we’re thirsty for
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Special breakfast places in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
So many houses, so many customs—and so many breakfast routines. A good breakfast defines our whole day, be it a quick pastry or a full English breakfast with orange juice. In our selection today, we present five of the region’s special breakfast places, where not only our stomachs
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Educational alphabet book from Ukraine │ Maechka
The joint work of Ila Varina and Olga Stonda is not a simple alphabet book. The Ukrainian-language publication was created as part of a social project called Maechka by Nebo Booklab publishing house with the aim of raising awareness among children about the importance of responsible pet ownership.
The story
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Sugar, regime change, Eastern Europe | Ilona Németh’s book is out now
Even though the intricate story of the sugar factory in Dunajská Streda is already quite fascinating in itself, the prosperity of the Slovak sugar industry and its subsequent decay reaches beyond local specificities: the fate of the factory is also a bit about what Central Eastern Europe had to face
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Creative fun—Eastern European design toys | TOP 5
They are conscious, imaginative, groundbreaking and not the last for decoration. Why not make children’s toys stylish? A selection of the most exciting design toys in the region, not just for kids.
mydve | Czech Republic
The two creators of mydve, Monika Matějkova and Veronika Watzkova, are linked by sustainable
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Where books live—The most beautiful libraries in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
A library is a wonderful place that can open up magical, story-filled worlds in the figurative sense of the word. Whether the building is modern or just old, the vast number of books will captivate us sooner or later. In our selection today, if only virtually, we have brought you
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Artisan vodka from crops grown near Chernobyl | Atomik
Can you make the world more beautiful with a shot of vodka? We could immediately say that, of course, since after a few glasses everything will look better. There is a vodka, however, which is meant to be much more than that.
Several years of research and testings preceded the
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Eastern European office overview | TOP 5
Last year, our lives turned upside down. For many of us, our daily routines have been completely rewritten and this has often affected our work as well: we are also slowly getting used to online meetings and conferences from home office. To quench the craving for office air, we have
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You can judge a gin by its label | TOP 5
The alcoholic drink once used as an antidote to malaria is more popular today than ever before. As it is also important how a delicious cocktail looks in front of us, what matters as well is what kind of packaging the gin itself gets. Our exciting selection follows from Eastern
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Unique cinemas in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Almost a year ago, we were forced to home cinema: we switch on Netflix sitting on the couch while craving the smell of popcorn. In our selection today, we present a bouquet of some of the most exciting movie theaters in Eastern Europe, which offer much more than just a
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The most beautiful wineries in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Good wine is like a work of art: it represents value, it carries the culture and traditions of the wine region. A winery thus has to offer more than just fulfilling its functions. In today’s selection of regions, we present our favorites from the outstanding wineries of Central and
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The most exciting railway stations in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
In Eastern Europe, railway stations have a special status: the renovation of historic buildings has been carried out according to the principles of modern architecture across the continent. A selection of stations in the region that are just as wonderful to depart from as they are to arrive at.
Čelákovice
architecture
Monument in a First World War cemetery | Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
Lookout, chapel, wall, tombstone and reverent place—Monument Majer erected in the old, First World War cemetery of Banská Bystrica fulfils all these functions all at once. In the latest episode of our PACE X HYPEANDHPYER series, we explore this contemporary building from the category of recollective architecture.
In 1915,
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Museum of Contemporary Art | Belgrade, Serbia
Our PACE X HYPEANDHYPER series has reached its third, and, at the same time, last phase: now we move on to presenting the buildings in the category of Recollective Architecture, starting with the modernist building of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Belgrade.
Out of the contemporary architectural projects of
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Rakova Jelša park | Ljubljana, Slovenia
Rakova Jelša park connects the city of Ljubljana and the neighboring vast marshland, while also reinterpreting the relationship between nature and the built environment. This is where we invite you in the latest episode of our PACE X HYPEANDHYPER series.
Walking path, bike route, picnic area, outdoor cinema, community garden—
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From blast furnace to community space | Ostrava – Dolní Vítkovice, Czech Republic
Once a gas holder, now a concert hall, once a furnace, now an open-air music stage and cafe: the new life of an industrial complex in the 21st century, in this week’s episode of our PACE X HYPEANDHYPER series.
The Lower Vítkovice Area is a national cultural monument of
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Cultural Palace | Blaj, Romania
The renovation of the Cultural Palace in Blaj started after 17 years of abandonment: the building built in 1930 brings its past closer while looking to the future. Here comes the latest episode of our PACE X HYPEANDHYPER series, starring the Cultural Palace in Blaj.
Bucharest-based architect Victor Smigelschi designed
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Nova Iskra co-working | Belgrade, Serbia
As co-working places in general, Nova Iskra creative hub in Belgrade also aims to promote collaboration between its users. In this week’s article of our PACE X HYPEANDHYPER series presenting innovative community spaces, we explore how it achieves this inspiring effect.
When designing the interiors of Nova Iskra co-working
architecture
Galya lookout tower | Galyatető
The Galya lookout tower built on the second highest point of the Mátra Mountains fits into its context innovatively. In this week’s episode of our PACE X HYPEANDHYPER architectural series we focus on this building handed over in 2015.
The summit of the almost 1000-meter tall Galyatető is located
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Education and Recreation Center | Marki, Poland
The town of Marki near Warsaw was placed on the map by this building. We continue showcasing innovative spaces in the framework of our PACE X HYPEANDHYPER series – this week, we invite you to take a look around this multifunctional education and recreation center with us.
Marki used to serve
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Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture | Osijek, Croatia
Discipline meets playfulness, and novelty meets history in the building of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture in Osijek, Croatia, which we explored in the framework of this week’s PACE X HYPEANDHYPER episode.
The building of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture in Osijek could serve as
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Mlynica | Bratislava, Slovakia
Every successful renovation starts with accepting the basic qualities: in the case of the factory building Mlynica in Bratislava, this meant accepting the unique aesthetic heritage of the industrial building, serving as the basis of modernization. Come and explore this building with us in the latest episode of our PACE
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Stories from Eastern Europe | Natúr magazine
„The East deserves the hype” – something we like to say frequently, and we are always happy to see our statement proven right by new projects of the region, one better than the other. We are even happier when we see that others think so too and decide to promote local
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arkt supply | Eger, Hungary
The latest episode of PACE Project and HYPEANDHYPER’s joint series once again presents a sustainable community project. Reinvented design process and collective construction by involving the local community – this is how Arkt Art Supply in Eger came to life.
In 2014, arkt studio was looking for a place where
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The Radio and TV Faculty of Silesia University | Katowice, Poland
The traditions of typical Silesian brick architecture can be observed on the building of the Radio and TV Faculty of Silesia University, which has just been named the best brick building of the world at the Brick Award 2020 competition. In the latest episode of our PACE X HYPEANDHYPER series,
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Stage | Dnipro, Ukraine
If we wanted to illustrate community architecture, the Stage project would be a perfect example: it is the product of the hard work of more than two hundred people, and has been catering to the needs of a community ever since it was built.
There is a stage standing in
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Nádvorie, the courtyard | Trnava, Slovakia
A massive change is taking place in Trnava old town in recent years: a community and cultural center is being built amidst the historical buildings. In the latest episode of our PACE X HYPEANDHYPER series, we brought you another sustainable community project: a special public space renovation.
Nádvorie (literally meaning
architecture
Islamic Religious and Cultural Center | Ljubljana, Slovenia
The first mosque in Slovenia does not only promote the revival of the local Islamic community – it was built in a quarter on the edge of Ljubljana’s city center that very much needed some new blood. In the framework of our series PACE X HYPEANDHYPER, first we will present
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The best of contemporary public architecture in one place | PACE x HYPEANDHYPER
The PACE project was initiated by the professors of the Faculty of Architecture of Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), with headquarters in Budapest, – an online platform designed to serve as a relevant source of Central Eastern European contemporary architecture projects. In the upcoming weeks, we will present a
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V4PLUS | Our favorite Czech brands_06
Virus or no virus, we won’t stop collecting cool design spots. This time, we
added a hostel in Olomouc where we would like to teleport the entire HYPE
editorial staff (now!) to our bucket list, but our “must-visit” list in Prague
is also expanded on a continuous basis. We