|
According to the Catalan architect "It's sober, simple style yet elegant and timeless as per the character of the institution"
The building, called "The house next to the Drahomira’s column" it’s Baroque style, although all architectural styles from the Renaissance had left their mark.
"We have transformed the building and kept the architecture, with an attitude of respect for the details, all architectural elements and materials," said Bofill.
Its central location in Loreto Square and within walking distance of the St. Vito Cathedral in Prague Castle, makes it a privileged place.
Documents, letters, and other writings of the ex president of Czechoslovakia which cover a period of 50 years in the history of this Central European country, will be available to researchers and historians.
"As soon as the files processing work finishes, the Library will do more than that. I wanted the library to be more like a club rather than the headquarters of a political party. I want it to be a spiritual, cultural and political haven," said Havel.
The ex president will move his headquarters and the office of some nonprofit organizations to the building.
The building will also house Zdenek Bakala Foundation, which bears the name of a coal magnate and great patron of this project, budgeted at 8 million euros (11 million dollars), which opening is scheduled in two years.
Bofill's earlier works in the Czech capital are on the other side of the Moldava River, in the industrial district of Karlin, where he has now another office project underway.
"It is a factory reconstruction. A project for Mr. Bakala that will become the headquarters of the publishing house Ekonomia," said the architect. |