The building of the year in the Liberec region is the IGI community center in Vratislavice

Vratislavice nad Nisou - The IGI Community Center with a library in the Liberec district of Vratislavice nad Nisou today won the main Karel Hubáček award in the Building of the Year competition for the Liberec Region 2022. The center was created by converting a former rectory, impressing the jury with its original connection of the historic building and modern extension with an imaginative yet functional arrangement of interior spaces, said Jan Mikulička, spokesperson for the regional office, to ČTK.

Vratislavice acquired the rectory next to the cultural center 101010 in 2017, as the building urgently needed renovation. The construction, which cost nearly 86 million crowns including VAT, was the largest modern investment in the district. Only the outer walls remained from the building; everything else is new, including the extension with three above-ground and two underground floors. "Thanks to this, Vratislavice has gained a modern library, a family center, and spaces for associations, as well as a cinema," said Mayor Lukáš Pohanka.

This year, the jury evaluated 26 buildings and nine student projects. "The jury had a very challenging task this year, not only in assessing completed buildings but also very inspiring student projects. This shows that quality architecture in the Liberec Region is being created despite the current challenging times, and that new promising creators are emerging alongside great architects like Karel Hubáček. I am also very pleased with the increasingly higher quality of public buildings and the responsible approach of investors to ecology," said regional councilor for development Jiří Ulvr.

The jury paid special attention to projects with ecological impact. In the Public Space category, the original viewpoints by the architectural studio Mjölk in Rokytnice nad Jizerou won, which also received the Public Award. The jury awarded honorable mentions for the use of ecologically sustainable building materials in a private family home project, and the approach to facade solutions during the insulation of a school in Česká Lípa was also recognized. A new award this year was from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, which was awarded to the new Vocational Education Center of the Secondary School of Crafts and Services in Jablonec nad Nisou.

The governor's award went to the Jan Social Services House in Hodkovice nad Mohelkou. "Quality architecture is an important part of life. I believe it is essential for seniors to be able to experience a dignified old age in spaces that are not only functional but also beautiful and high-quality in every respect. The project of which the Jan House is a part fulfills the concept of transforming social services, which the region systematically and long-term supports. It can become a model example for others," added Governor Martin Půta.