Architects awarded the controversial building in Dejvice the Project of the Year

Prague - The controversial building LINE by architect Radan Hubička, which is set to rise at Vítězné náměstí in Dejvice, has been named the best architectural project of the year. This category has been included in the Stavba roku (Building of the Year) awards for the first time this year, organized by ABF - Foundation for the Development of Architecture and Construction. Ida Křížová reported this today on behalf of the international architecture and urbanism festival Architecture Week Prague, which awards the prize. The construction of the building, nicknamed due to its shape Polar Bear, is planned to be started by the investor, PPF Real Estate, next year.
    The design from Radan Hubička's Architectural Atelier won the official competition conducted under the rules of the Czech Chamber of Architects. "I am very pleased that the jury appreciated our design for the LINE building at Vítězné náměstí. It is good that the building sparks discussions. They are proof that the design is not an ordinary dull piece of architectural work. I am convinced that the LINE building will become a symbol of modern architecture in Prague upon its completion," stated Hubička.
    The form of the building and its suitability for this location has sparked passionate debates among locals. The Prague 6 municipality even temporarily suspended the zoning proceedings because of them. Opponents of the construction officially complained about bias within the leadership of the municipality and the building authority. The investor argues that the project complies with the zoning plan. Furthermore, the architectural design has been supported by some prominent architects, such as Eva Jiřičná and John Eisler.
    The civic association Pro Hanspaulku, one of the loudest opponents of the project, accused the designer of plagiarism last week. "The object is almost identical to the LINE construction proposal of a company owned by billionaire Petr Kellner, which already stands in Cape Town, South Africa. Hubička used nearly the same elements that have adorned a building constructed five years ago on the Atlantic Ocean coast," said the chairman of the civic association, Michael Pokorný.
    The multifunctional LINE building is set to rise at Vítězné náměstí in Prague 6 - Dejvice. The building will offer approximately 18,000 square meters of space, which will include offices, services, a café, a library, and an underground parking garage. The investor plans to start construction next year, with completion scheduled for 2016.
    The Building of the Year award is being announced for the twenty-first time this year. A total of 54 projects entered this year's competition, with the jury selecting 16 for the finals. Ultimately, five projects will receive the title without distinction of rank. The announcement of the results will take place on October 10 in the Senate during the seventh edition of the Days of Construction and Architecture.