Disputes over National Library Building calm down

Architect Jan Kaplicky met Prague councillors on Thursday to discuss his design for the new National Library Building. Among the topics up for discussion were the budget, and maintenance of Prague’s historic panorama. The Czech-born architect repeated that he was set upon the library being built in its original location, Prague’s Letna Plain.

After being chosen by the international jury in March, the winning design immediately sparked controversy. Among its most fierce opponents were the Czech president Vaclav Klaus and Prague Civic Democratic councillors. Last month, an expert team consisting of architects, conservationists and lawyers was set up to determine final location and design of the building.