47 teams submitted proposals for the competition for a new library in Kolín

Kolín – A total of 47 architectural teams submitted proposals for the design of the new city library at Jiráskově náměstí in Kolín for the architectural competition. The city announced the single-round competition at the beginning of June, and on Wednesday, the jury began evaluating the proposals. The city stated this on its website.

"The submission of 47 proposals is evidence that we have created an interesting assignment, which is an exceptionally high number for competitions. Such interest from architectural studios is an excellent reference for the city of Kolín,” the city reported. The next jury meeting will take place next week. The exact date when the winner will be announced has not been set. "By the end of the year, we would like to know the winner; we are working hard on it, and it is not simple,” said CTK jury member and Kolín deputy mayor Iveta Mikšíková (Change for Kolín).

The proposal will serve as the basis for the pre-project and project preparation of the building. It must respect the urban study of Jiráskovo náměstí, which is expected to undergo reconstruction in the coming years. The estimated cost of building the new library, according to the competition assignment, is 240 million crowns excluding VAT. The preparation, discussion, and construction period is estimated to take five to ten years.

According to the original plan, the library was to be built in the grounds of the Kolín castle in the area of a gap left by the so-called barley lofts. However, the city backed away from the original plan due to a requirement from heritage protection officials, according to which the new building could not exceed the height of two stories.

The Czech Chamber of Architects supervises the legitimacy of the competition. The jury consists of the city architect, a representative of the city leadership, and three independent architects. The winning proposal will receive 500,000 crowns, the second 350,000 crowns, and the third 200,000 crowns.

The Kolín city library has been located since 1948 at Husova Street in the building of the former Czech Savings Bank. In addition to increasing the capacity for the book collection, the modern new building is expected to offer, for example, community space, a café, and relaxation areas.