The Samson Fountain in České Budějovice is covered by wooden walls

České Budějovice - Until October 2, the Baroque Samson Fountain in the square of Přemysl Otakar II in České Budějovice will be surrounded by a seven-meter wooden wall. The artistic project named Perception aims to provoke a discussion about the value of public space. People can only reach the fountain, which is a symbol of the city and among the largest in the Czech Republic, via a footbridge leading from the House of Art, which is also located in the square of Přemysl Otakar II. This was said today by the project's author, architect Jan Šépka, and the curator of the House of Art, Michal Škoda.

According to Šépka, the artistic intention of the project is to have people appreciate the interesting buildings around them more. "The main impulse was to spark a discussion about public space, about the dominant structures surrounding us, and about the fact that we do not perceive their value as we could," Šépka stated. "These values are not discussed today, yet they deserve attention," he added.

The wooden footbridge made of waterproof plywood guides interested visitors through an initial labyrinth and leads them out a window toward the fountain. Between the chain around the fountain and the seven-meter high wall, there is a narrow space where people can walk around the fountain, observe it, and then return to the footbridge via stairs back to the House of Art. On both sides of the footbridge, supported by a wooden structure, there are narrow openings about ten centimeters wide offering unconventional views of the square.

Michal Škoda did not want to disclose the exact cost of the project. The House of Art is operated by the city, hosting eight exhibitions or various projects each year. "For each event, I have 250,000 crowns. Sometimes more or less is needed. In any case, the Perception project does not cost the city a single crown extra; we will fit comfortably into this year's budget," Škoda said, noting that some sponsors helped with the implementation. "The biggest savings for me is the loan of all construction materials from a Prague company. This will be reused for the construction of something else," added Šépka.

Notable projects by the forty-seven-year-old architect include renovations of the Upper Square in Olomouc, modifications of Jiří Square at Prague Castle, and the design of the National Library in Prague. The project in České Budějovice is reportedly his most discussed. "It often happens that someone calls me to express their opinion on the construction. However, these people do not wait for an explanation, and after they share their opinion, they hang up," he noted. According to Škoda, the reactions from visitors to the Perception project have been very positive so far. "You need to come here and try everything for yourself," Škoda stated.

The safety of visitors to the unusual artwork is ensured by an emergency exit, and disabled visitors will also have special access to the fountain. As part of the project, special discussion events and lectures will be held every Tuesday.