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Source
Jana Hrubá

Publisher
ČTK
19.03.2012 16:40

Prague - During the reconstruction of the historical house in Hradčany into the Václav Havel Library, the monumentally protected staircase and other interior elements must be preserved. This decision was made by conservationists from the Prague City Hall. Jan Kněžínek, head of the department, told ČTK today. A binding statement on the entire reconstruction will be issued by the department in about three weeks. After that, the construction office of Prague 1 will evaluate the project.
The house U Drahomířina sloupu at Loretánské náměstí, which dates back to the 16th century, is to be converted into the library. The building also includes the original apartment of Hana Benešová, widow of former President Beneš. The furnishings of the apartment were created in the 1920s by artistic craftsmen. "The panel of experts has unequivocally decided that the interior elements must remain in their place," said Kněžínek.
Architect Michaela Pulpánová from the Prague Department of Monument Care stated that the historical staircase, wooden paneling, entrance hall, and fireplace will be preserved. "Some windows and doors will remain where they are, others will be placed in storage," added Pulpánová.
The reconstruction project has already been assessed by experts multiple times, as according to Kněžínek it was not fully in compliance with heritage protection. Last year, the zoning process was even interrupted, and the investor had to revise the construction plans due to disputed placement of the air conditioning. Other concerns, which were joined by the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) and the Club for Old Prague, related to the extent of the basement in the courtyard, the size of the private residence, and the planned roofing of the courtyard. However, the conclusions of the NPÚ heritage protectors are not binding. The final position of the city hall will be important, as it will serve as one of the bases for the building permit process.
"For us, the conclusions of the archaeologists are decisive," said Pulpánová. According to her, the Archaeological Institute issued a statement indicating that nothing was found in preliminary surveys in the courtyard. "Therefore, the project can continue," the architect added.
The historical building was purchased by entrepreneur Zdeněk Bakala, whose foundation sponsors the current activities of Havel's library, which has been operating since 2004 and is currently located in Prague 2. The reconstruction project was prepared by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. In addition to publicly accessible spaces, according to Kněžínek, the house should also include accommodation capacities and a luxury private apartment. Bakala estimated the reconstruction costs at approximately 200 million crowns.

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Oni toho Knezinka jeste neodesli?

takyarchitekt

19.03.12 10:57

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