The controversy surrounding a futuristic design for new Czech national library

The futuristic plans for a new national library in Prague have triggered a vigorous debate in the Czech Republic. President Vaclav Klaus described the project, designed by Czech-born architect Jan Kaplicky, as "ugly" and promised he would fight "tooth and nail" against its realisation. In an interview with Eva Zajikova, former Foreign Minister Jiri Dienstbier contradicts the president. "I like Kaplicky's design, and the debate is a typical example of Czech narrow-mindedness. We are part of modern Europe and should be glad to see a world-famous architect like Kaplicky take an interest in the project. It's wonderful that a Czech has become one of the world's top architects. The debate highlights the Czechs' fear of anything unusual. There were similar debates about the Municipal House [an art nouveau-style building] at the turn of the millennium in Prague. Today it's a tourist attraction and no one has any doubts about it."

» full article (external link, Czech)
More from the press review on the subject » Architecture / Cities, » Czech Republic
All available articles from » Jiri Dienstbier