Artist and designer Lucie Koldova’s Guide to Prague

From her favourite parks to a Baroque restaurant, Prague-based product designer Lucie Koldova gives us her tour of Prague.

Talented light and product designer Lucie Koldova creates covetable pieces that combine functionality and technical innovation with artful design. Trained in Prague, Koldova moved to Paris to further her design career before returning to Prague, where she is the creative director for Czech handmade glass lighting company, Brokis. Here, she shares her Prague address book and local inspirations on a tour of the city.

When did you first become interested in design?
“I’ve been interested in arts and crafts since I was a child. Later on, just before my high school graduation, I was excited to discover some studios in Prague. Design was a field I did not know about until then, but I was very attracted to it. For me, it represented a great connection between an initial idea and the functional creative shaping of an object.”

What have been your career highlights so far?
“An important moment in my career so far was my collaboration with lighting design company Brokis, where I still work as an art director and designer. This year I was invited as a Guest of Honour to IMM Cologne, a prestigious international design fair, to build Das Haus, an installation of simulated ideal house concepts. This project lasted for almost a year and was an incredibly fulfilling challenge.”

What Prague landmarks or locations most inspire you?
“I am a coffee lover so I mostly hang out in cafés, where I love working and brainstorming. Galleries also inspire me, and I would suggest visiting DOX gallery, Prague’s Centre for Contemporary Art—I really like the building and the atmosphere. I also love visiting Kampa, an island that can be found in the middle of the Vltava River. It’s a great location and also home to the Kampa Museum. Another great exhibition space is Rudolfinum, just across the street from the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design.”

Where do you like to go in Prague to relax?
“I have a small son and therefore I am often in Letná Park or Stromovka. Both places are relaxing and beautiful. Nearby, you can find many cafés and bars and the district is full of creative young people.”

What’s your favourite restaurant in Prague for a special meal?
“I love FIELD restaurant for its experimental approach and Eska for the gorgeous interior and atmosphere. When I feel like Asian fusion food, I head to Buddha bar or Sasazu.”

Where do you like to take friends who are visiting Prague from out of town?
“I would take them to Kuks, which is a magnificent former Baroque hospital. I love the restaurant there, Baroque, which uses regional produce for its delicious Czech dishes.