Architect Kaplický sets ultimatum for Prague

Czech-born London-based architect Jan Kaplický, the author of the winning design for a new National Library building in Prague, has given city officials one month to come to a decision on whether the new building can be constructed in Prague. Mr Kaplický said that if Prague City Hall fails to reach a solution, he will quit the project for good. Jan Kaplický’s winning design, popularly known as the Blob and the Octopus, had met with little appreciation from some Prague officials – including the mayor, Pavel Bém. They claimed it would disturb the city’s skyline. There has also been a petition of architects, monument preservationists and art historians in support of the project.