House U Milosrdných 'Marshmallow' - invitation to a public discussion

The design of the residential building U Milosrdných has sparked significant - and largely critical - attention in recent weeks. The building, easily recognizable thanks to the "smiley faces" motif on its facade, is set to stand in close proximity to the Agnes Monastery.
Are the voices that criticize the design as oversized and arrogant correct?
Would the building by architect Zdeněk Fránek showcase quality architecture, or would it represent yet another misguided intervention in the historic center of Prague?
And what complications does it bring to design a building for a place with such a strong historical identity?
The case of the building U Milosrdných, however, also provokes more general questions. Protests against new constructions in the center of Prague usually arise only at the stage when the building practically has all the permits.
Can this be systematically prevented and a dialogue between the public, architects, and investors established in earlier phases of the process? On what platforms should this dialogue take place?
How should the public participate in the creation of new architecture?
 
When: May 13, 2015 | 6:00 PM
Where: Agnes Monastery – Church of St. Francis
 
In the panel discussion will sit:

MATĚJ STROPNICKÝ, Deputy Mayor of Prague

PETR HLAVÁČEK, Director of the Institute of Planning and Development of Prague

ZDENĚK FRÁNEK, Architect, author of the building U Milosrdných

FRANCESCO AUGUSTO RAZETTO, Investor

RICHARD BIEGEL, Art Historian, Old Prague Club



Guests:

JIŘÍ FAJT, Director of the National Gallery

JIŘÍ SKALICKÝ, Director of the Department of Land Use Decisions and Heritage Preservation, City Hall of Prague



Moderated by:

ADAM GEBRIAN

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