[CZECH MODERNIST DESIGN – ARCHITECTURE] Ústřední budova Elektrických podniků hlavního města Prahy [Central building of the electrical company of the capital city of Prague].

Prague: Správní rada elektrických podniků hlavního města Prahy (printed by Melantrich), 1935. Quarto (30 × 21 cm). Original tan card wrappers, patterned and embossed; 102, [18] pp. With 156 plates of illustrations, mostly halftone reproductions of photographs, some full-page. Loosely inserted is an illustrated [8] pp. summary in German. In protective mylar. Very good or better. Item #55055

A fine specimen of promotional literature, this album is dedicated to the design and construction of the central building of the Prague Electrical Company Building, built between 1927 and 1935 after designs of Adolf Benš and Josef Kříž. A monumental functionalist building of reenforced concrete, full of technically advanced features, the building is today listed as a protected architectural landmark. Over twenty architects, engineers, and technical specialists contributed to the writing of the brochure, which is illustrated with 156 halftone photographs, which depict not only the main areas of the plant, but also related aspects such as the workers' library, recreational facilities, restaurant, and various medical applications of electricity. The building also featured central air conditioning, which is covered in great detail.

The wrappers and drawings are attributed to Hugo Melzer, while the technical drawings and plans are by architects Adolf Benš, Josef Kříž, Miloš Beneš, and others.

As of March 2025, KVK, OCLC show six copies in North America.

Price: €600.00

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