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Current AffairsPrague mayor renews “Blob” debate
The drawn-out debate over the construction of a futuristic building
colloquially known as “the Blob” originally meant to house the Czech
National Library in Prague has taken a new turn. Designed by the late
Czech-born London-based architect Jan Kaplický, the huge green and purple
structure divided public opinion when it won an international competition
in 2007 and the project was finally scuppered. Now, more than four years
after the original plan was put forward, Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda has
unexpectedly renewed the debate. More
SpecialPavel Bobek – Part 2
For a lot of Czechs, Pavel Bobek is THE voice of country pop, thanks to his
hugely popular Czech-language versions of hits by U.S. singers like John
Denver and Kris Kristofferson. He is also a trained architect, and was a
close friend of Jan Kaplický, who died in 2009 after a long and fruitless
struggle to have one of his plans realised in Prague. In this, the second
part of a two-part interview, Pavel Bobek speaks about Kaplický and
aspects of his own career. But first he discusses his love of Johnny Cash,
whose songs he recorded on his most recent LP. More
ArtsLeeda – a unique Czech fashion label going strong for seven years
Not far from the National Theatre, tucked away on Bartolomějská street,
the small flagship store of the label Leeda boasts some of the most
original, colorful and hip clothing in the Czech capital. Run by two young
designers, Lucie Kutálková and Lucie Trnková, Leeda has been putting out
its limited edition collections for nearly seven years. The two designers
both studied at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague.
Lucie Kutálková explains how the two were given a unique opportunity to
establish their own label and retail space. More
MagazineMagazine
A driver draws his sword in heavy traffic, Lolita-style fashions come to
Prague, and a millionaire turns up at the labour office for his monthly
social welfare bonus. Find out more in Magazine with Daniela Lazarová.
More
MagazineMagazine
Brno is to build a miniature Blob – using the avant-garde design by the
late architect Jan Kaplický originally intended to house the National
Library. Vuvuzelas may be driving everyone mad, but they are selling like
hot cakes, and why do so many Czechs stretch the truth in their CVs? Find
out more in Magazine with Daniela Lazarová.
More
ArtsArchitect Jan Kaplický lived for his vision, says curator of new exhibition Eva Jiřičná
The late architect Jan Kaplický has been in the news a lot recently. A new
documentary was released last week about the collapse of his dream to
finally see one of his designs realised in Prague: the futuristic yellow
structure, nicknamed the Blob, was to have served as a new National Library
building, but met opposition from politicians. Now an exhibition at the
city’s Dox gallery – featuring plans, models and more – gives Czechs
a chance to see some of the ultramodern designs Kaplický created at his
world renowned Future Systems studio in the UK. Dox’s artistic director
Jaroslav Anděl says the show has several aims.
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