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| The Eye Above Prague - Proposed Design for National Library of the Czech Republic |
The
highly contentious proposed design for the new National Library in Prague is
perhaps one of the most interesting and striking designs for a library in
recent history. The design generated so much controversy the debate brought up
very real concerns about Czech identity and the fragility of a new democracy.
Jan
Kaplicky’s (1937-2009) futuristic design was the winning submission in an
international contest organized in 2007.
A jury unanimously selected Kaplicky’s design from more than 350 entries.[i]
The design was a favorite amongst the public and heavily supported by a vocal librarian community who at a conference of librarians held in Cape Town voted this design as the most modern library in the world.[ii]
The design was a favorite amongst the public and heavily supported by a vocal librarian community who at a conference of librarians held in Cape Town voted this design as the most modern library in the world.[ii]
The politicians on the other hand had a big problem with it namely Mayor Pavel
Bém, President Václav Klaus and the Director
of the National Gallery.[iii]
Officially named “The Eye Above Prague”, affectionately called “the Blob” or “the Octopus” by the public, and more derisively nicknamed “sputum” (a ball of phlegm) by Boris Stastny, leader of the Prague chapter of Civic Democrats, on his personal website.[iv]
Officially named “The Eye Above Prague”, affectionately called “the Blob” or “the Octopus” by the public, and more derisively nicknamed “sputum” (a ball of phlegm) by Boris Stastny, leader of the Prague chapter of Civic Democrats, on his personal website.[iv]
If
built the new National Library would be the largest new building in Czech
Republic since the fall of Communism more than 20 years ago. It is a 48m (or 8
storey) tall irregular champagne and purple structure.[v]
If built the Library would be one of the world’s most technologically advanced. The 50,000 sq m building[vi]
would hold 10 million books (with room for 5 million more) in a subterranean
lightless vault manned by ROBOTS!
Yes Robots! The automated retrieval system would be visible to patrons
above and books would be accessed within minutes.[vii]
When compared to the retrieval process at the British Library which can take up
to 2 weeks[viii]
it would be the envy of librarians everywhere.
Above
ground the library would house a number of public facilities at ground level. A series of ramps and public streets would lead to the public cafe, the pinnacle
of the building. The café would have a huge window looking out over Prague like
an eye, hence the name “The Eye Above Prague”.[ix]
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| Proposed Interior |
The
design combines two very strong Czech traditions, baroque architecture and
surrealism.
Kaplicky defended his design stating that the building was firmly in the tradition of Prague’s baroque architecture. The gold-plated tiles that cover the building were meant to evoke the sparkle of the gilded baroque domes; the large window overlooking the city references the oculus, the hole atop these domes.
Kaplicky defended his design stating that the building was firmly in the tradition of Prague’s baroque architecture. The gold-plated tiles that cover the building were meant to evoke the sparkle of the gilded baroque domes; the large window overlooking the city references the oculus, the hole atop these domes.
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| Proposed Cafe and "Eye" |
The
building site, Letna Park [x] was formerly home to a permanent circus tent (and a ceremoniously destroyed statute of Stalin); its billowing material echoes the irregular form of the proposed library.
It is not just Prague’s architecture that has had an impact on the architecture; the library's avant-garde design follows in the footsteps of the Czech Republic’s greatest cultural figures such as Kafka, Čapek Svankmajer and Harbal masters of the surreal.[xi]
It is not just Prague’s architecture that has had an impact on the architecture; the library's avant-garde design follows in the footsteps of the Czech Republic’s greatest cultural figures such as Kafka, Čapek Svankmajer and Harbal masters of the surreal.[xi]
The
cultural traditions arguments, technological advances, unanimous win, overwhelming
community support, and champions like former President Vaclav Havel did little
to sway the politicians opposed to the new build.[xii]
In
October 2007, Kaplicky went so far as to debate his winning design on Czech
television with the Mayor of Prague. Following the debate 12,000 people signed
a petition insisting the library be built. [xiii]
For
Kaplicky and his supporters the Library is more than just a storehouse for
books or a prize-winning design for them the design represents the new and
independent spirit of the Czech Republic. Kaplicky wrote, “…the National
Library is a building of such importance that it can help return this country
to Europe. That would be the greatest achievement – if the building not only
worked as a library, but it also became one of the modern-time symbols of
Prague.”[xiv]
Kaplicky suggests that those against the design grew up with communism and have
yet to experience democracy and tolerance. Twenty years after the fall of
communism in the Czech Republic Kaplicky’s supporters are not surprisingly suspicious of democratically elected politicians attempting to overturn an international and legal competition. [xv]
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| The Blob deconstructed |
You
may have noticed that even 5 years after the competition there are no pictures
of the completed library, that is because the library was never built.
Kaplicky unexpectedly died in January 2010 still fighting for this library. He is quoted as saying
“It is a battle of one little architect against the whole machinery of the
state…I’m fighting for modern architecture in Europe, for culture, for the
book.”[xvi]
At one point Kaplicky tired
of fighting with the Mayor of Prague Kaplicky and approached the Mayor of Brno (the
second largest city in the Czech Republic) and offered to build the Library
there. Brno wanted the design, had the space, but lacked the funds necessary to
build it.
In 2010 following the death of Kaplicky a student, Martin Felgr
entered a competition (Pepsi sponsored) to design a new bus stop in Brno, Felgr suggested
the Blob as a tribute to the late great Czech architect.
While the Blob will now hold bus schedules as opposed to books Kaplicky’s family, friends and contemporaries support the idea. Eva Jiricna, a former colleague and member of the jury that picked Kaplicky’s design stated, “It’s a symbolic reminder of what could be. At least a version is in the public eye…”[xvii]
While the Blob will now hold bus schedules as opposed to books Kaplicky’s family, friends and contemporaries support the idea. Eva Jiricna, a former colleague and member of the jury that picked Kaplicky’s design stated, “It’s a symbolic reminder of what could be. At least a version is in the public eye…”[xvii]
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| Eye over Brno - The Little Blob |
Much
like the controversy surrounding the building of Sadfie’s Library in Vancouver the
debate surrounding Kaplicky’s design speaks volumes about the symbolism of a Library. When starting this project I never would have fathomed that
when writing about the crazy looking "Blob" I would have to tackle such topics
as the fragility of democracy and national identity.
My initial reaction was to be appalled that this design was considered for Prague but now I see the symbolism behind the design I am sad that Kaplicky and the Czech people never saw his library built.
My initial reaction was to be appalled that this design was considered for Prague but now I see the symbolism behind the design I am sad that Kaplicky and the Czech people never saw his library built.
A
documentary following Kaplicky’s struggle to see his visionary and bold design
approved and built was released in 2010. A trailer[xviii]
for the film, can be seen below. For me it was listening to Kaplicky speak about his design and hometown that really changed my mind about the suitability of this library for Prague.
[i] Konviser, B. I. (2010, May 30). Ugly
blob or cultural treasure?. Global Post. Retrieved from http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/czechrepublic/090716/national-library
[ii] Hurst, W.
(2007). Prague library will be built unchanged, insists Kaplicky. Building
Design, 3.
[iii] Bayley, S.
(2008, January 06). It's big, it's bold - but are the citizens of the Czech capital
ready for this?. The Observer.
[iv] Borufka, S.
(2010, September 29). Ods may support National Library. The Prague Post. Retrieved from
http://www.praguepost.com/news5876-ods-may-support-national-library.html
[v] Bayley.
(2008).
[vi] Hurst
(2007).
[vii] Heathcote,
E. (2008). Bureaucracy brought to book Jan Kaplick'ys proposal for the Czech
national library in Prague has the country’s politicians up in arms. Financial Times, 11.
[viii] Hurst
(2007).
[ix] Konviser,
B.I. (2010).
[x] Bayley, S.
(2008).
[xi] Heathcote,
E. (2008).
[xii] Bayley, S.
(2008).
[xiii] Bayley,
S. (2008).
[xiv] Konviser,
B.I. (2010)
[xv] Konviser,
B.I. (2010)
[xvi] Heathcote,
E. (2008)
[xvii] Hold, G.
(2010, June 23). Little 'Blob' planned for bus stop. The Prague Post. Retrieved from
http://www.praguepost.com/news/4816-little-blob-planned-for-bus-stop.html
[xviii] JanKaplicky (Sept. 15, 2008) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpLyXQSWlY&feature=related
Photo Credits:
Photos #1 - #3 & #5:Young, N. M. (2008, October 20). Award refused amidst future system split. World Architecture News.com, Retrieved from http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=10515
Photo #4: Nate, D. B. (2007, November 07). National library in prague future systems. Design Boom, Retrieved from http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/9/view/1984/national-library-in-prague-future-systems.html
Photo #6 RADEK MICA/AFP/Getty Images. (2011, September 22). Picture of the day: 22 september 2011. The Telegraph. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/8781293/Pictures-of-the-day-22-September-2011.html?image=20
Another interesting post, Heather. I was impressed that the public was behind Kaplicky's design. With architecture, it seems like it's often a few public leaders who speak out in favour of a building while the public may be more vocal about their dislike of a building. In this case, it was the exact opposite. The public's appreciation such a surreal design shows their openness to new forms of architecture that are quite different from Prague's historic architecture.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't quite as taken with this architect as with the previous libraries. In particular, I had questions about putting the books in a windowless vault-like atmosphere. I think books should be stored in areas that have light because this makes one's interaction with books more pleasing and natural. I suppose with the addition of robots, the focus is on retrieval of books rather than browsing and, therefore, the atmosphere isn't as important. However, I would hate to see the storage of books as equated only with retrieval. Browsing is an essential part of the library experience.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a concept. My initial reaction to the proposed building was that it seemed ridiculous. The thought of robots retrieving instead of people immediately made me feel defensive.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading through your post, my mind began to change. I realized that the building could represent so much to their democratic identity. I was saddened to find out that it was never built.
On the other hand, if a concept similar to this one was proposed in our area, I am not so sure I would support the idea. I agree with Carla in that browsing is an essential part of the library experience and having robots would definitely hinder that process.
It's just such a idea for a library building, a very interesting read!
Like you and Shauna, I began reading this post and thinking... "THAT? THAT is what they want to build to house books? They want to build THAT creation in beautiful Prague?" I was appalled. But the more I read, the more it grew on me and even though I think it's completely different than any other structure in Prague, it still suits the city. A city that sees beauty in the most unlikely places sometimes. I am actually very disappointed to hear that the structure was never built and that the architect passed.
ReplyDeleteI was also surprised to learn that public supported this structure as their library and the politicians were the ones to turn it down. That's upsetting, since it becomes clear that democracy is still not completely accepted.
This is a great final post Heather!
Thanks for introducing me to this architect and this incredible modern design. I was unfamiliar with Kaplicky prior to this. I think Steve Rose said it best..."Kaplický's commitment to radical futuristic design meant that his buildings were too ahead of their time for all but the most far-sighted clients." (http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2009/jan/15/jan-kaplicky-architecture?intcmp=239)
ReplyDeleteI am pretty open-minded when it comes to design and architecture but I admit to starting this post with mixed feelings of this as a library space. I understand where Carla is coming from and agree that browsing IS a fundamental part of the library experience. However, I think we must keep in mind that this is a national library and not a traditional public library. My understanding is that their collection, access and circulating policies are different and that they likely serve more as a research facility rather than a lending library. From that point of view, the automated retrieval system is pretty amazing...particularly if you consider the retrieval times of a similar institution.
I think what I particularly like about the design is how Kaplicky worked on developing public spaces. Again, I'm not sure many national libraries serve roles beyond that traditional research functionality.
Sad that he didn't see this completed.
I've really enjoyed your topic and your posts.
Cheers,
Peter
What a potentially weird looking building. I can understand why some would not want the library to be built given that based on the mock-ups 'the blob' doesn't look like it would necessarily fit in with the surrounding architecture/neighborhood. But really it doesn't matter what I think about the library at all. What matters is that that is the library the public wanted, that is the design that unanimously won the design contest and that is the design that the designer fought for. What matters is the national symbolism that was intended to be represented in the library, which is something that I wouldn't understand not being from Prague. For those reasons it's really too bad that the library was never built.
ReplyDeleteBut personnaly I still can't wrap my head around a purple and yellow building. Great post Heather! I've really enjoyed reading your blog for the last few weeks and I definitely have a few ideas now about where I need to think about traveling just to see the libraries!
(Again sorry for the weird username!) - Laura
Wow...is all I could say when I saw the picture of the proposed building. It looks so bizarre. I could see it turning into a huge tourist location because of how weird it would look. It totally looks like phlegm, a blob, and octopus. It's unfortunate that the building was not ever built, because I think it would have been a ton of win. The layout plans looked well-planned and calling something ROBOT is pretty awesome. At least someone built a bus stop tribute to it (which I'm quite happy isn't purple and yellow).
ReplyDeleteThanks again for introducing me to another cool architectural library design (however weird and out there it is).
Wow, the top of the building remind me of a mushroom :P However, I like things that are unique and I think the Robot idea for book retrieval sounds impressive! But I'm wondering about the way you would go about to search for a book. Would it be just as easy or would patrons have less access to browsing their selection of books.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, I'm sad that Kaplicky passed away and never accomplished his proposed plan. I think we need more cooler libraries that are moving away from the boring, traditional designs. I think with more creative and diverse architectural designs introduced, more traffic it will gain.
Well that's frustrating... I wrote a lengthy comment and it vanished! Yay technology! I think the gist was that this library sound fascinating, but Prague doesn't seem the place for it. I think the ostentatious design would alienate too many people which is kind of bad for a library. The library needs to be approachable and consequently beloved, and while I respect artistic vision I don't think Kaplicky's design is right in this time or that place.
ReplyDeletePersonally I think that Kaplicky's design is an eyesore when put in the context of the "classic" architecture of Prague (I am not an architecture buff, obviously). My major qualm is probably more to do with the colours selected rather than the design. It reminds me of something that you would see in an amusement park for children. After reading the entire post and watching the video though, I have a new found understanding and respect for the design, as most of the others have also had. I still find that the bus stop tribute is a much nicer version of the original design due to the colour being less extreme. Great post!
ReplyDelete