New National Library Prague

This international architectural competition aimed to find urban, architectural, technical and operational solutions for the new National Library of the Czech Republic in Prague.

This competition was organised over two stages. Participants presented their ideas for the shaping and usage of the reserve area between the east facade of the National Library and the City Ring Road tunnel entrance.

Competition results

Fist Prize

Second Prize

Third Prize

Theme and objectives

The purpose of this competition was to choose the best entry by a participant capable of creating the most suitable design and fulfilling the promoter’s requirements.

The library could not be intrusive but needed to be ‘omnipresent’, both inside and outside, including at night and when it is closed; the building’s presence had to be felt in the neighbourhood.

The library also needed to appeal to visitors and passersby alike, not only as a library but also in terms of the other services it offers.

The library had to be seen as a place for meetings or discussions with colleagues and friends, for various social and cultural events, but also as a quiet place for relaxation with a cafe and restaurant.

Key criteria

The criteria for the evaluation of the competition designs were as follows:

Quality of the overall design with regard to the location of the building in the designated area;
Comprehensive architectural quality of the design, including design of interior spaces;
Quality of functional, layout and operational design;
Extent of compliance with programme requirements;
Economic and operational feasibility.

Jury Members

Zaha Hadid, Architect, UNITED KINGDOM;
Irene Wiese-von Ofen, Architect and UNESCO Representative, GERMANY;
Eva Jiřičná, Architect, UNITED KINGDOM;
José Grinberg, Architect, MEXICO;
Petr Bílek, Architect, CZECH REPUBLIC;
Vlastimil Ježek, Director-General of the National Library of the Czech Republic, CZECH REPUBLIC.
Wolfgang Tochtermann, Director of the UIA Competition Committee, GERMANY;

Alternate Jury members:

John Eisler, Architect, USA;
Tony McLauglin, Architect, UNITED KINGDOM;
Jan Knĕzínek, Director of Heritage Department, Municipality of the Capital of Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC;

Bohdana Stoklasová, Director of Library Collections and Services, The National Library of the Czech Republic, CZECH REPUBLIC.