Vyšehrad Bridge - Open Letter from Architects

Dear elected representatives of the citizens of Prague, the Czech Republic, and representatives of UNESCO,

Our capital city Prague has an immeasurable historical value. This value lies not only in individual historical buildings but also in the overall image of the city. Thanks to the symbiosis of architectural endeavors with the river and unique topography, the broader center of Prague forms not only a national but also a global cultural heritage. Recently, information has emerged that the Czech Railways Administration is seeking to remove the historical bridge under Vyšehrad. Based on this threat, we - Czech and foreign architects - write an open letter because we want our independent perspective on this matter to be heard, in the full context, broader connections, and from a certain distance, which is a basic principle of our work.

The media inform that this decision is the result of an open architectural competition and therefore is indisputable. Since the political system's turning point in November 1989, we have once again become what we were during the interwar period – rightful members of the European cultural space, upholding common cultural values that must not only be claimed but also defended in case of their threat. These values are universally valid axioms that do not need to be discussed, nor should they be. One such axiom is the unacceptability of arbitrary and irreplaceable removal of a cultural monument. For this reason, the competition for the new form of the Vltava Bridge was not a competition for "the best idea," but de facto a competition for the acceptability of irreversible removal of the heritage-protected structure. Thus, it lost its legitimacy from the moment of its initiation, meaning it should never have happened.

One of the main arguments for the demolition of the bridge is the alleged necessity of adding a third track. This fact is not only questioned by many traffic experts, but it also ignores the fact that the entry into Prague as a whole is not primarily or solely composed of this route. If that were the case, then the area of Výtoň would instead face overburdening. Leading a route through the historic center cannot and should not be the only solution. Modern metropolises in the civilized world always plan their transport routes widely and with regard to the areas through which they run.

The structure has the status of a cultural monument, is part of the Prague monument reserve, thus being on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We perceive this as a legacy of our ancestors, as our collective memory. We want to preserve it for future generations. A society without memory or with gaps in it is poor and lacks identity. Prague has experienced many violent demolitions, and their bitterness lies mainly in the fact that they are irreversible.

The bridge is beautiful as a whole as part of the river's panorama, in detail, and in the principle of its structure. It allows for repairs for current needs as it can be disassembled and gradually repaired (unlike, for example, a monolithic concrete structure). For the image of Prague, the bridge under Vyšehrad is similarly important with its raw industrial expression as the image of the stone Charles Bridge under Prague Castle. By the way – the Charles Bridge was once threatened with demolition due to its allegedly poor condition. How would Prague look now without it?

In recent days, we perceive from the media a debate limited to information about the numbers of trains, tracks, and passengers, although the concept of the solution for the Prague railway hub as a whole is still under discussion. A clear rejection of the bridge's removal from the heritage conservation department has not been heard. We therefore call on the heritage authorities – advocate for the protection of this structure, explain its value.

As architects, we are convinced that the bridge can be preserved. Our time has technical and technological resources, specialists, knowledge, and money at its disposal. What we lack is the will and a broader perspective on the matter. We therefore appeal to the public, to experts, to institutions – stop hesitating, waiting and start with the maintenance and repair of this authentic structure. In the interest of passenger safety and also in the interest of the city and society as a whole. The manager and owner of the bridge have known for years that it is aging and have their own expertise available. Maintenance procedures are known since similar structures around the world are being integrated into the needs of modern cities.

In the words of Prof. Brühwiler – "A structure is not a living being; therefore, its lifespan does not come to an end; any existing structure can be repaired and modified to meet the needs of modern use..."

We believe and hereby call on you – let's save this unique structure under Vyšehrad.