Česká Lípa knows the design of the new library, the proposal by mh architects atelier was victorious

Česká Lípa – Česká Lípa knows the shape of the new city library; the proposal from Prague's studio mh architects atelier won the architectural competition. The simple modern building with a green roof, designed to allow for efficient rainwater management, triumphed among 47 other proposals. The competition received submissions from studios not only from the Czech Republic but also from Slovakia, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. In addition to the three winners, the jury awarded four other proposals, as reported today by Mayor Jitka Volfová (ANO).

"The evaluation took two days; selecting from so many proposals was not easy at all, but in the end, we unanimously agreed on the results. I am very curious to see how the winning designs will appeal to the citizens. We will present the awarded designs to them, and in January, they will be able to view all of them," added Volfová. The city plans to exhibit all proposals from January 16 at the Crystal Cultural Center. "This is a significant building that will cost the city tens of millions of crowns. It is important that we know the public's opinion," the mayor concluded.

The library is expected to transform the currently neglected and overlooked area in the center of Česká Lípa. The city intends to build it in a gap on Jeřábkov’s Square. The architects had to incorporate buildings 158 and 159, which remained after the partial demolition of the inn, into the new structure. The current library on T. G. Masaryk Square no longer meets needs; it is not accessible, and it is not technically possible to radically modify it. Therefore, the council decided last February to construct a new building.

According to Volfová, the library should serve as a natural center for citizen gatherings. In addition to sections for readers of all ages, there will also be space for smaller cultural events and exhibitions, a computer classroom, or a café. The assignment also included proposals for adjustments to Jeřábkov's Square. The municipality estimates the costs at 210 million crowns. The goal of the competition, according to the mayor, was to confirm the costs so that the city has a clear idea of future financing. According to Volfová, construction will not begin for at least five or six years, as the municipality wants to secure subsidies for this expensive project.

Overview of awarded proposals:

Placement	Architectural Studio	Reward
1.	mh architects atelier, s. r. o., Prague	800,000
2.	Atlas forem, s. r. o, Pardubice	500,000
3.	Mjölk, s. r. o., Prague	300,000
Other Awards
1.	ARCHITECT Ondřej Tuček, s.r.o., Prague	100,000
2.	Rusin Frei, s.r.o., Prague	100,000
3.	Ing. arch. Tran Anh Tuan, Prague	100,000
4.	Tvary – a group of architects (Ondřej Slowik - Rychvald, Lucie Šponarová - Orlová, Tomáš Madro) - Brno	100,000

Source: Česká Lípa