In the competition for the design of the city library, Česká Lípa received 48 proposals, including from abroad

Česká Lípa – In the architectural competition for the design of the new city library in Česká Lípa, the jury will evaluate 48 proposals that the town hall received from studios not only from the Czech Republic but also from Slovakia, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The competition jury will meet to assess the proposals in mid-September, and the results should be presented to the public by the end of this year, said Kristýna Kňákal Brožová, spokesperson for the Česká Lípa town hall, to ČTK.

The library is expected to transform a currently neglected and overlooked site in the center of Česká Lípa. The town plans to build it in a gap on Jeřábkovo náměstí, where architects must incorporate buildings 158 and 159 that remained after the partial demolition of the inn. The current library on T. G. Masaryk Square is no longer suitable, is not barrier-free, and it is technically not possible to make significant modifications. Therefore, last February, the councilors decided to construct a new building, with preliminary costs estimated by the town at 210 million crowns, excluding value-added tax.

"The city's goal is to obtain a comprehensive architectural design for the new city library, which should also serve as a natural center for community gatherings. Therefore, in addition to the traditional sections for readers of all ages, there will be spaces for smaller cultural events and exhibitions, a computer classroom, and even a small café," added Mayor Jitka Volfová (ANO). According to her, the new building should sensitively blend into the historical locality while also incorporating elements of modern architecture to appeal to the younger generation.

"The number of submitted proposals pleasantly surprised us. Given their quantity, I anticipate a robust discussion, and I believe that many very interesting solutions will emerge here," said Deputy Mayor Martin Brož (ANO). The assignment also includes the adjustment of Jeřábkovo náměstí and coordination with the planned reconstruction of the surrounding streets and Škroupovo náměstí. According to Brož, the competition is also intended to verify the anticipated costs to give the city management a clear idea of future funding.

In preparing the conditions for the architectural competition, Česká Lípa collaborated with the Czech Chamber of Architects. The town has set aside two million crowns for prizes for participants, with the winner receiving 800,000 crowns. "The design competition is perceived by the professional public as the best and most transparent way to procure a public construction project and is recommended by the government document on Architecture and Building Culture Policy," added the town hall spokesperson.