Kaplický's library design evoked emotions, encountered resistance from politicians

Prague – A selection of information about the design of the National Library building for Prague by architect Jan Kaplický (the results of the competition for a new National Library building in Prague were announced on March 2, 2007, in which Jan Kaplický's project won):

- The winning design by Jan Kaplický, known as the octopus, sparked great passions, and its construction faltered due to the opposition of some politicians. The competition, endorsed by the International Union of Architects, ended in court because the rules changed during the process. The National Library withdrew from the construction, and later there were several attempts to revive the project. The futuristic project evoked both enthusiastic and opposing reactions, primarily, however, it lost political support after then-President Václav Klaus expressed his opposition to it, soon followed by then-Prague Mayor Pavel Bém (ODS), who had previously praised the design.

- The planned nine-story library with organic shapes (the so-called blob), 48 meters high and located in Letná, was intended to accommodate up to ten million volumes and included a café, restaurant, study rooms, and a multipurpose hall. According to experts, the library's technology was pioneering in many ways. Most of its collections were to be located in the building's basement, which the competition originally did not allow, and critics later argued that both Kaplický and the jury violated its conditions. The Czech Chamber of Architects (ČKA) requested the International Union of Architects (UIA) to verify the legitimacy of the competition; however, no irregularities were found.

- The unconventional construction of the so-called blob drew enthusiasm but also strong criticism. The discussion about it later took on a political dimension when then-President Václav Klaus spoke out against it, later joined by Prague Mayor Pavel Bém (ODS). Disputes over the library's design were also the reason for the dismissal of then-NK director Vlastimil Ježek.

- For architect Kaplický, who gained fame in Britain with his striking and controversial designs often inspired by hi-tech architecture and various shapes in nature, the competition was a strong motivation and challenge. Although he had already participated in several competitions in the Czech Republic, he had not been successful until then and expressed how difficult that was for him. After some politicians rejected the library design, Kaplický fought for its construction and was disillusioned by the aftermath of the case. He died at the age of 71 on January 14, 2009, in Prague.

- The ambitious building also had many supporters, who argued that it would revitalize the "Prague skanzen" and had the potential to become a tourist attraction. According to supporters, Prague lacks buildings of modern architecture, and Kaplický's blob could have been their dignified representative.

- After the project was abandoned, the National Library repaired and completed the depositories in Hostivař instead of a new building, and books are transported daily between the Klementinum, the current headquarters of the library in the center of Prague, and the city's periphery. The baroque complex of Klementinum has also been restored.

- Several attempts have been made to revive Kaplický's library project, but unsuccessfully. In 2000, then-Minister of Culture Lubomír Zaorálek (ČSSD) stated that returning to the plan for the construction of a new National Library building according to Kaplický's design was no longer possible. The capital city also does not consider building the library in Letná, where it was supposed to be located.

A selection of statements about the library design by Jan Kaplický:

Former President Václav Havel:

"It is strange and perhaps symptomatic that the Czech public... remains silent about the monuments of banality, such as the new building at Karlovo náměstí or the building at the corner of Václavské náměstí and 28. října street across from the Koruna Palace... And when someone proposes an interesting, original building once every ten years, then there is an uproar in the village." (ČTK, May 15, 2007)

Architect Eva Jiřičná, chairwoman of the jury:

"Where is it written that it is precisely the politicians who are the judges in the clash of aesthetic ideas? ... Politicians should reflect on themselves and let young people decide about the library." (LN, October 11, 2007)

Then-President Václav Klaus:

"Mr. Kaplický's artifact seems to me to be extremely arrogant, willful, almost arrogant... For me, Mr. Kaplický's building is ugly, and I don't think it's because it is non-Art Nouveau, non-Cubist, non-Functionalist. I don’t like it in and of itself." (MfD, May 9, 2007)

Then-Prague Mayor Pavel Bém (ODS):

"Kaplický's proposal is bold, surprising, original, energy-efficient, and undoubtedly controversial... Now the conservative heritage protectors will come into play, and a lively performance about the future of modern architecture in Prague will begin. I am known as a supporter of bold solutions." (ČTK, March 2, 2007)

"As mayor, I was a member of the international jury, but I disliked the location of Kaplický's blob from the very beginning and never voted for it. Kaplický's design is in such arrogant disharmony with its close and distant surroundings that it cannot be compared in terms of its impact on the city's urbanism with, for example, the Dancing House." (MfD, October 15, 2007)

Widow of Kaplický, Eliška Kaplicky Fuchsová:

"I think the library was a complete shock for us 12 years ago; this type of architecture was not present in our country. Many people were horrified and reacted very emotionally. Our foundation is still in touch with the architects who were on the winning team and are willing to step in immediately and work on this project." (ČTK, June 25, 2019).