The project to convert the house into Havl's library is not liked by the heritage conservationists

Prague - The project to convert a historic building in Hradčany into the Václav Havel Library is generally not favored by the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ), although some plans, such as covering the courtyard, are accepted. The scientific council of the institute is concerned about insensitive interventions aimed at creating a luxuriously equipped private residence, the extent of the interventions into the substrate of the cultural monument, or the planned removal of the original apartment of former first lady Hana Benešová, which contains heritage-protected elements.
The scientific council today informed ČTK of its conclusions. However, the general director is not obliged to follow the council’s opinion. Architect Marek Tichý, who is involved in the planning, told ČTK that the project will still change: "The shape of the project has gradually evolved and changed since its inception and will continue to evolve and change throughout its implementation".
The historic house U Drahomířina sloupu was bought by entrepreneur Zdeněk Bakala, whose foundation also sponsors the current activities of Havel's library. The conclusions of the scientific council will serve as a basis for the opinions of heritage protectors from NPÚ. And then for the verdict from the Prague magistrate, which will be binding.
The intention to build the library is generally liked by the council. Among other recommendations, it suggests that the residence spaces be reduced in favor of the library's primary operations. The council also admitted partial excavation of the courtyard area while respecting the existing structures and covering the courtyard to create a social space. "The scientific council agreed to cover the courtyard and simultaneously allow its excavation, which we consider a small victory. On the other hand, we see a contradiction between the demand to preserve Hana Benešová's apartment while simultaneously recommending to limit the building's function to non-residential use, which is also contrary to the valid zoning plan," stated Tichý.
The council of heritage protectors stated that the current plans of the investor anticipate "insensitive interventions into the monument's structure, additionally threatening its surroundings". They do not agree with the extent of the interventions into the monument's substrate under the southern wing and the extent of the basement expansion under the courtyard: "It is unacceptable in terms of preserving heritage values and jeopardizing the water regime in the surrounding area".
The Václav Havel Library has existed as an institution since 2004 and currently resides on Kateřinská Street in Prague 2. In the future, there are plans to relocate it to a reconstructed palace from the end of the 16th century. The project was prepared by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. The library is expected to occupy about a third of the building's area, with other sections designated for Havel's office and for the headquarters of some non-governmental organizations. Bakala estimated the costs of the reconstruction at approximately 200 million crowns.