Competition proposal for the National Library of the Czech Republic - 2nd prize

The soaring, crystal-clear high-rise building (tower) will accentuate the urban silhouette of Prague and will characterize the new building of the National Library of the Czech Republic. Its sculptural form not only contains the collection of books included in the library’s archival collections but proudly represents it on the scale of the entire city, while providing a landmark for this new public building in a city so rich in towers. The library represents a significant opportunity for a prominent architectural element that will culturally connect the historic city with the future development plan of Prague as an urban polycentric construction.
Essentially, it can be said that the project is based on the perception from visiting and working in the library and book archives. Whether it is a resident specialist, a random visitor seeking some literary reference, or a group of schoolchildren on an excursion or tourists visiting the city, the library must represent, or even symbolize, its public function.
The intention is to incorporate the entire volume of books into the architectural representation of the building instead of suppressing the impression of them by placing them underground or in a suitably hidden part of the building's layout. Similarly, the new National Library must express its working nature and, despite the demanding hierarchy of security, must evoke a sense of engagement, persuasiveness, and friendliness. As such, the new library must achieve a close connection between its own books, their users, and the city in which it stands.