Proposals for the new NK building have already been seen by over 4500 people

Prague - Over 4500 visitors have viewed the exhibition of designs for the new National Library (NK) building since its opening last Wednesday. CTK was informed by Kateřina Grešlová from the NK communication department. The exhibition at the Klementinum Gallery will last until May 31, is free to access, and presents all 355 designs submitted to the international architectural competition for the library construction.
    Visitors can compare the plans of individual architects through drawings, photographs of models, and computer visualizations. The conclusion of the exhibition is dedicated to the eight finalists, whose work is presented in more detail, including the actual models. The largest space is devoted to the winning project of the British firm Future Systems, led by Jan Kaplický.
    At the exhibition, this design is set into a model of Letná Plain, where the building is supposed to stand; this served as a tool for the jury when evaluating the competition designs.
    The exhibition is supplemented by a screening of a documentary that maps the course of the competition, and a screening of a film about Jan Kaplický.
    The National Library announced the architectural competition for the design of the new building last May and announced its winner on March 2. This immediately sparked a wave of discussions not only among experts but also among the general public. Their subject is mostly the appearance of the proposed building, although critical voices from experts are also heard.
    These concerns mainly relate to the alleged noncompliance with the competition conditions regarding the location of the book storage in the above-ground part of the building; the winner has it underground. Although the competition organizer rejects the objections, the Czech Chamber of Architects last week asked the International Union of Architects to verify the legitimacy of the competition.