Čtvrtek 28. března 2024, svátek má Soňa
130 let

Lidovky.cz

Return of the Blob: Prague mayor says Kaplický design could stage comeback

  16:19

Architect Jan Kaplický’s novel idea for a library may be revived at its original site but as a concert or exhibition venue, Mayor Svoboda says

Blob na Letné zůstane jen na papíře a v modelech. foto: Česká pozice

Czech architect Jan Kaplický’s daring Prague design for a new national library, dubbed  the “blob” or “octopus” by fans and foes alike, could see the light of day in its original position but not fulfilling its original purpose, according to Prague mayor Bohuslav Svoboda (Civic Democrat, ODS).

Svoboda said in a radio interview that City Hall has been approached by a group of private investors with the idea of constructing Kaplický’s building at the original position on Letná plain, but using it as a concert venue or exhibition space rather than as a library.

‘There is a lot of interest from private investors and I think they could find the investment if we, as Prague people, decide that this is the type of design which belongs to Prague.’

“There is a lot of interest from private investors, and I think they could find the investment if we, as citizens of Prague, decide that this is the type of design that belongs in Prague. We are sticking by what I always said: We must decide if we want it and that we like it. And if that is the case, then it can happen,” Svoboda said in an interview on the commercial radio, Impuls.

Prague’s mayor said that talks had only begun two weeks ago as part of a wider discussion with architects about how the face of the Czech capital might change and develop over the next 50 years. He told the free daily Metro that the city might have a minority stake in the new building if a final decision was taken to go ahead with it.

Svoboda’s comments that Kaplický’s “octopus” might be resurrected from the depths where its was dispatched by his predecessor as mayor Pavel Bém, now an ODS member of the lower house of parliament, is likely to create a furore within his own party and Prague as a whole.

Václav’s veto

Kaplický’s controversial design split the city and country in opposing camps for and against with some, like Bém, swapping sides when the timing seemed opportune in the heated debate. His turnaround followed President Václav Klaus’ comments that the project would go ahead over his dead body, adding that he was willing to “chain himself to a tree” if that would help stop it happening.

The National Library, which held the international architectural contest won by Kaplický, eventually dropped the idea of a new building with the world renowned Czech-born architect, long resident in London, left disgusted at the political machinations in his original homeland. He died in Prague in January 2009 with all his award-winning buildings outside the Czech Republic.

A smaller version of the “blob” or “octopus” was unveiled as a bus stop in the Czech Republic’s second city, Brno, at the end of September, as a result of a competition staged by a soft drinks company. The student who came up with the idea joked that with such a move Brno could steal a march on its traditional rival, Prague.

Akční letáky
Akční letáky

Všechny akční letáky na jednom místě!