More than 32,000 people visited the enclosed Samson Fountain inside

České Budějovice - Today, the project titled Perception ends in České Budějovice; it aimed to enhance the attention of residents and visitors to the public space. On Monday, workers will dismantle the seven-meter high wooden wall that stands around Samson's fountain in Přemysl Otakar II Square in České Budějovice. More than 32,000 people visited the fountain behind the screen, which has been here since September 7. Michal Škoda, the curator of the House of Arts that organized the event, told ČTK.

According to the organizers, most people liked it. "We are definitely satisfied. The event made sense. There were many who came with prejudices. They realized on the spot that it was an interesting idea and changed their opinion," Škoda said. According to him, some people returned to the fountain. "Many people came to Budějovice because of it," Škoda added. Special discussion programs and lectures on the topic were also well attended.

"We opened a debate about the meaning of this space, about transportation and cultural events organized here. It is definitely a challenge for local politicians," said the project's author, architect Jan Šépka.

The organizers counted approximately 230 people who did not like the project and made it known loudly. "We mapped these reactions. It is clear that there were many more who disliked the construction but remained silent. We wanted to spark a discussion, and we succeeded," he added.

From the window of the House of Arts, also located on Přemysl Otakar II Square, a wooden bridge made of waterproof plywood led to the fountain, which is a symbol of the city and one of the largest in the Czech Republic, where visitors walked. According to Šépka, the dismantled material will be used by the company that built everything for another event.

The controversial construction of the wooden wall around the fountain divided České Budějovice into two parts. Some criticized the costs of the project, which seemed unnecessary to them. Michal Škoda did not want to disclose the exact price of the project. The House of Arts is operated by the city, and eight exhibitions or various projects are held here each year. "I have 250,000 crowns for each event. Sometimes more or less is needed. In any case, our project Perception costs the city not a single crown extra; we fit into this year's budget without any problems," Škoda stated earlier, noting that some sponsors helped with the implementation.

Among the well-known projects of the 47-year-old architect Šépka are the modifications of Horní Square in Olomouc, the modifications of Jiřský Square at Prague Castle, and the design of the National Library in Prague. According to him, the České Budějovice project was the most discussed.