Czech Lípa announced an architectural competition for the construction of a city library

Česká Lípa – Česká Lípa announced an architectural competition for the construction of a municipal library. The proposal must address not only the building itself in the urban heritage zone but also modifications to Jeřábkov Square near the Basilica of All Saints, which currently serves as a parking lot. The competition conditions can be found on the city profile as well as on the website of the Czech Chamber of Architects, spokesperson Kristýna Kňákal Brožová told ČTK today.

The city wants to build the new library in a gap on Jeřábkov Square, and the architects must incorporate buildings 158 and 159 that remain after the partial demolition of the inn into the new structure. The current library at T.G. Masaryk Square no longer meets requirements, is not barrier-free, and it is technically impossible to make significant modifications. Therefore, the representatives decided last February to construct a new building, with preliminary costs estimated at 200 million crowns.

"The library building should primarily fit sensitively into the urban heritage zone and respect the historical site. At the same time, it should bear elements of modern architecture to appeal to the younger generation and serve as a symbol of the present era for future generations. It should be an open, bright, airy place accessible to all. The new library building should be surrounded by a small park with benches and greenery where people can relax or find a shady spot for a pleasant stop in the summer," added Mayor Jitka Volfová (ANO).

According to the mayor, the library should transform the currently neglected and overlooked area in the city center. "It should become a natural center for our citizens to gather and also a representative place, an architectural gem that attracts attention from a wide and distant area," the mayor added. The library should, according to Volfová, be a center of education but also a community center.

The city has announced the architectural competition as open and one-phase, with architects having until August 15 to submit their proposals. "The evaluation will be anonymous and will consider urban, architectural, technical, operational, and landscape aspects. We should know the results by October this year, and the public will have the opportunity to view the proposals at an exhibition," said the city spokesperson.