Prague mayor, Czech-born architect, debate future of new National Library building

Prague Mayor Pavel Bem and Czech-born British architect Jan Kaplicky met in a televised debate on Thursday evening to discuss the future of the new National Library, a modern design by Mr Kaplicky planned for Prague's Letna Plain. The building, nicknamed "the Blob" or "the Octopus", was the winning entry in an international competition earlier this year. The building has become the centre of heated debate after it came to light the project would be blocked by assembly members from the Civic Democratic Party at City Hall. Mr Bem indicated on Thursday that a mistake in zoning plans meant it was unlikely the project would be approved for Letna Plain. But he said he was for the modern design being built elsewhere in the capital.

The mayor will reportedly provide a list of alternative sites for the building to National Library director Vlastimil Jezek next week.

Author: Jan Velinger