(Un)fulfilled Ambitions. The book traces an escape from the 1980s projective everyday

In twelve chapters, the author team presents the key processes in the architecture of the 1980s and the circumstances of their (un) fulfillment in reality. During the 1980s, disillusionment with the construction of huge housing estates peaked, and discussions about the future of prefabricated housing took place, which condemned the periphery to the role of mere dormitories. Combined with the enormously polluted environment and decaying historic centres, the results of socialist management left above all a feeling of general frustration.

"Architects have rightly felt alone in their pursuit of aesthetically strong and socially useful architecture. The desire to offer an alternative to the utilitarianism of socialist construction and to resist the prevailing tendencies of older generations led young architects to form associations, organize exhibitions, lectures and public discussions, and to formulate visions and critiques of contemporary construction. All of these activities shaped the prolific unofficial architectural scene in the 1980s," adds Petr Vorlík, editor of the book.

Together with Tereza Pokorná, in the chapter "The Unofficial Scene, the Path to Freedom and Plurality" they describe, among other things, the circumstances of the formation of the group Zlatí orli, founded by the youngest architectural generation in 1989. The Zlatí orli felt the urge to define themselves and decided to make a harsh gesture – at the opening of Prager's exhibition they brought "A serious, decent wreath with the inscription Last Goodbye, Sleep Sweetly or Goodbye, bought at Olšany." With youthful audacity and courage, they expressed their wish that Prager would not continue with his projects – which they considered merciless to the city.

The book Ambition was written as the fifth and last part of the project Architecture of the 1980s in the Czech Republic under the National Cultural Identity II programme of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic. The authors of the texts are Lukáš Beran, Klára Brůhová, Alex Bykov, Matúš Dulla, Martin Franc, Karolina Jirkalová, Matyáš Kracík, Lenka Kužvartová, Lucia Mlynčeková, Miroslav Pavel, Tereza Pokorná, Petr Roubal, Pavla Savická, Klára Ullmannová, Veronika Vicherková and Jan Zikmund. The book series is complemented by the website architecture80.cz, where it is possible to find full versions of the books and individual artists and buildings on an interactive map.