Plzeň is looking for the most beautiful building of the last four years in a competition

Plzeň - The most interesting and original building in Plzeň in the last four years is to be found by the next edition of the architectural competition for the Hanuš Zápal Award. Completed buildings in Plzeň from January 2010 to December 2013 can apply for it. This is the third time the award is being announced, informed ČTK spokesperson of the magistrate Zdeňka Kubalová.
    Applications can be submitted by anyone in writing by June 13 to the Department of Concept and Development of the City of Plzeň or through the website www.ukr.plzen.eu. A jury consisting of architects from outside Plzeň will evaluate the proposals. All nominated buildings will be showcased at an exhibition in the autumn.
    "The mission of the Hanuš Zápal Award is to find, assess, and draw attention to quality buildings representing the architectural culture in Plzeň over the past four years. The goal is to support interest among the public and investors in the creation of architecturally, aesthetically, and technically valuable buildings that can elevate the building culture of the city,” stated Mayor Martin Baxa (ODS).
    The winner, whether an individual or a team, will receive not only a graphic sheet featuring Zápal's portrait and an original document certifying the award but also a financial bonus of one hundred thousand crowns. The Hanuš Zápal Award was first granted by Plzeň for the period from 1990 to 2005 and was awarded to architects Václav Ulč and Radek Dragoun for the building of the central fire station. For the second time, it was awarded for the period from 2006 to 2009 to Karel Hanzlík for the design of the 6th RIVER - Plzeň Science and Technology Park.
    In addition to the purely Plzeň Zápal Award, there is also an annual competition for the Building of the Year in the Plzeň Region, announced by the regional administration and Plzeň.
    Hanuš Zápal (1885 to 1964) was a significant Plzeň and West Bohemian architect. His designs led to the construction of a number of schools in Plzeň and its surroundings - business academy, Masaryk School, Beneš School in Plzeň, and a school in Plasy. He also designed the Plzeň crematorium, theater warehouse, Purkyň Pavilion, the director's villa of Plzeňský Prazdroj, a sanatorium in Janov near Mirošov, and a Brethren church in Kralovice. He also designed memorial plaques and monuments and was involved in heritage conservation.