1937 - 2009, acclaimed architect most noted for the Media Centre at the Lords Cricket Oval and the competition entry for the National Library of Prague died on the streets of the Czech city, in the town that he was born. Kaplický was the founding partner of Future Systems, and with ex-wife Amanda Levete carved a radical, less "machine aesthetic" that was strikingly original and organic.
January 19, 2009
RIP - Jan Kaplický (Future Systems)
1937 - 2009, acclaimed architect most noted for the Media Centre at the Lords Cricket Oval and the competition entry for the National Library of Prague died on the streets of the Czech city, in the town that he was born. Kaplický was the founding partner of Future Systems, and with ex-wife Amanda Levete carved a radical, less "machine aesthetic" that was strikingly original and organic.
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4 comments:
Does anyone have any idea as to whether the horrendous Library for Prague is going ahead or not?! As a resident of Prague and the Czech Republic, I strongly oppose the structure. It is absolutely horrendous, ugly, looks like a shiny slug, and most of all, it does not fit in with the culture of Cz Rep. ! where on earth did this crazy architect manage to get into the competition?!?!?
I think Jan's inclusion in the competition, although this may seem in bad taste, had more to do with him being the most famous Czech architect alive.
But I agree it is one of those projects best left on the drawing boards. Although if built would be quite a spectacle and likely attract homage from architects and tourists alike to Prague
In response to mad architect; THANKS! a couple of people I know just keep focusing on the fact that its this mad, exaggerated building - which it is! BUT, its just not practical, and especially not in that area which is miles out of the centre of prague... On top of that its a residential area with lots of grand old homes.... I have to agree with you about the 'famous architect' thing... but its just that so stupid. If they planted the ruddy building in a more appropriate area and as an attraction of some sort - I guess it wouldn't be so bad!
Jennifer, I have to ask, are you an architect or atleast an architecture student, because if not you really shouldn't be commenting on its practicality. Also it's not supposed to fit in with the surrounding architecture, that's the whole point. Although I agree with you that it is not an attractive building it serves its purpose according to the brief provided, that is why it won the competition, not because of one mans fame. It is utterly absurd to suggest that any nation would spend such a large amount of money simply because of one mans fame do you not think?
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