However, its designer Jan Kaplicky, a Czech-born architect based in the UK, states that he drew inspiration from looking at a sugar bowl, as well as World War II bunkers, baroque forms, the human body and jellyfish...

In March, his scheme was announced as the winner of the 350 entries in the international competition set by the national architects council. This once again confirms the reputation of Future Systems, Kaplicky’s radical and progressive studio noted for its designs with organic and rounded forms.

The new library will house 10 million books, archived in darkness on an underground level where they will be controlled by a robotised system. Reading rooms, offices, restaurants and cafes will be organised on five levels with 35,000 square metres of floor area, right up to the top floor “The Eye”, a viewing platform looking out across Prague. E.S.