Response to the discussion panel of the Plzeň Region about the former spa

On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, a discussion panel for professionals was held at the headquarters of the Plzeň Region Authority regarding the public construction of the regional cultural center, which is to be created by converting and completing the former municipal baths building on Denisovo nábřeží in Plzeň. The event, with the proclaimed subtitle “We ensure the honesty, transparency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of the public construction of the Plzeň Region Cultural Center”, was organized by the regional leadership as a platform for debate with the signatories of an open letter from architects criticizing the current approach of the region. However, according to nearly 20 participating architects, the Plzeň Region is not interested in a genuine discussion and critical reflection of the plan.

“After presenting the intent and the emerging study by the authors of the entire project, architect Marek Marovič and I presented a brief overview of examples of good practice for conversions of similar types of buildings from the Czech Republic and abroad to the present signatories. By showcasing projects that emerged from competitions, we aimed to illustrate the necessity of an architectural competition for the creation of such an important public building. We also attempted to lead a discussion on this issue. Moreover, the project of the original baths building was based on a victory in a competition announced by the city. However, the regional leadership views our defense of the architectural competition as an adequate means to find the best solution to the project, supported by both the Czech Chamber of Architects and the Czech Chamber of Authorized Engineers and Technicians active in construction, merely as our opinion. The representatives of the region hold a different view, which they consider equally valid. They are only willing to organize a competition if it is explicitly required by legislation. We were unpleasantly surprised that the region ignores the aforementioned expert opinions of both main professional chambers. Up until the time of the panel, for instance, none of the representatives of the region responded to the letter from the chairman of the Czech Chamber of Architects, Jan Kasl, dated April 20, addressed to the Plzeň Region. In comparison, for example, with the Hradec Králové Region, which establishes its own Center for Architecture to support the sustainable development of quality architecture and urbanism in the region, we perceive the approach of the Plzeň Region as very shortsighted,” comments one of the initiators of the letter, Petr Klíma.

“Both the Chamber of Architects and the Engineering Chamber expressed in their statements opposition to the region’s plan to proceed after developing the initial phases of the project using the Design & Build method, which combines construction realization with the delivery of the final project. However, this method is mainly used for linear constructions, where the required parameters can be very well defined in advance; for cultural buildings and their adaptations – and even more so for buildings of the scale and significance of the former municipal baths – it has no precedent either at home or abroad. We are disappointed that the representatives of the region still insist on this method without being able to convincingly defend it,” add present signatories Martin Leška and Aleš Kubalík.

“During the panel, representatives of the region openly stated that time plays a crucial role in the whole matter. They stressed the need to hurry, because if the realization of the project is not initiated on time, it will not happen at all. The region rejected organizing a competition, which would take approximately six months, with the argument of cost-effectiveness. With an alleged annual inflation of 15 or 20%, it is necessary to get started on construction as soon as possible, according to the manager of the Plzeň Region Cultural Center, Hynek Gloser. Nevertheless, inflation is decreasing, as are the prices of certain building materials. Primarily, however, the haste and dubious time savings in the order of months cannot be justified for a building that will shape a part of the embankment in the city center for decades and will become one of the most significant and visible buildings in the city. And which is to become a hallmark of the cultural maturity of the entire region both at home and abroad,” adds another signatory of the letter, Bohuslav Strejc.

“It became clear during the meeting that the regional leadership decided long ago on a course of action that favors the rapid realization of the construction and is not inclined to delay seeking the best architectural solution, let alone engage in a serious discussion. The appeal to announce a competition, which has proven to be a processually honest, transparent, and ultimately economical solution in thousands of cases both in the Czech Republic and abroad, is interpreted as an accusation of something illegal. In response to our arguments criticizing the current approach of directly employing the project's author and her team, the representatives of the region defend themselves by claiming they are acting entirely legally. As if it should suffice for us as citizens that a public institution merely adheres to the limits of the law. By renouncing the opportunity to find the best solution, the region deprives our society. Especially in today’s time of rapid changes and uncertain economic prospects, we should be certain that what we build will stand the test of overall quality for decades to come,” argues another initiator of the letter, Marek Marovič.

“The representatives of the region emphasized the technological, economic, and ecological aspects of the project. They mentioned, for instance, the attention they have already paid to coordinating professions as an advantage. However, it is indicative of the way the intent is being prepared that they have yet to address the way of construction essentially,” warns another signatory, Marek Sivák.

“Our doubts about the correctness of the region's approach and concerns about the outcome of the project were not dispelled by the discussion panel. The leadership of the Plzeň Region clearly does not acknowledge the problematic aspects of its actions and continues with its intent unchanged. We do not consider it either our task (we are not members of the jury of the competition) or our obligation to discuss specifically the presented project, and we must reject the assertion of the region’s representatives that by not commenting on the presented study, we are relinquishing responsibility. On the contrary, we feel we are responsible enough to consistently point out the risks associated with the region's approach and we continue to stand by the theses of our open letter,” states the letter signatory Jan Toman.

“We believe that further discussion of the principles, which we attach fundamental importance to, is not possible at this time. However, we greatly appreciate the participation of about 20 signatories at the panel and are pleased that a significant part of the professional public in Plzeň has become active in the whole matter. We believe that this will pay off in the medium to long term,” concludes Petr Klíma.