Böhm: The library project according to Kaplický is out of the game

Prague - The project of architect Jan Kaplický for the new National Library (NK) is off the table, said the new director of NK, Tomáš Böhm, in an interview with ČTK today. While he liked Kaplický's blob design, he claims that there is currently no money for new construction, and the library needs to primarily address storage capacities. According to Böhm, it would be possible to consider a new building in five to ten years, but it would also serve other cultural institutions, and a new competition would likely be announced for it.
    The original architectural project according to Kaplický's vision from 2007 was criticized by President Václav Klaus and some Prague politicians. Ultimately, the project was abandoned, and the National Library moved towards revitalizing the baroque Klementinum and completing a depository in Hostivař. The total cost of the works, which are expected to finish in 2015, is estimated at nearly three billion crowns, which is roughly the same amount that some claimed the new construction would cost.
    Critics of the current revitalization accused the previous library director Pavel Hazuk of inadequate communication; for example, there was no clear vision for the revitalization or its budget. The new director, Tomáš Böhm, now declares that it is not excluded that he will reassess some investment steps of the previous management. However, he stated that the revitalization and completion of the depots will not be halted, ČTK reported.
    "I do not think that the revitalization project could be halted, but there could be certain reassessments," Böhm told ČTK. For instance, the approach to individual construction modifications could change, as could the use of some spaces.
    Böhm will not be commissioning a new audit; he wants to build on the one recently commissioned by the Ministry of Culture. "I want to take a closer look at the conditions of the tenders and the overall intent of the Klementinum's revitalization," Böhm added. The director has so far familiarized himself with the main findings of the audit, claiming that there are aspects that "raise concerns," however, they are not serious enough to warrant criminal prosecution.
    Hazuka was also criticized for dissolving the advisory board, which included, among others, renowned architects. They advised him to announce an architectural competition for the vision of the Klementinum's revitalization. They were dissatisfied that the company Metrostav won the tender based on the price of the contract, rather than its quality. Böhm now claims that he is considering reinstating a similar advisory body. "I believe that such an advisory body should exist, and my intention is to restore it," Böhm said.
    Director Böhm wants to open the library more to the public, modernize its website, and continue with the digitization of the book collection. So far, Böhm is not considering specific personnel changes in leadership positions but does not rule them out. "It may happen that, based on examining some issues with certain senior staff, we will not find common ground and will have to consider a change," said Böhm.
    In the last year, due to budget cuts, the library canceled 40 fixed-term job positions and decided on an eight percent salary reduction. According to Böhm, this should not jeopardize the library's operations, as he claims to have already started negotiations with the library unions.
    Today, Böhm officially took over the office from his predecessor Pavel Hazuka. Although he was appointed to the position by Minister Jiří Besser (for TOP 09) on December 28, he officially took office two days ago.
    Hazuka became the director of the library in 2008. He was appointed without a tender by then Minister of Culture Václav Jehlička (then KDU-ČSL). He replaced the previous head of the library, Vlastimil Ježek, who advocated for Kaplický's new construction.