Three towers – Líbeznice
Collaboration:
Pavel Joba, Jakub Havlas, Michal Tichý, Zuzana Hanušková, Barbora Zachovalová (artwork)
Photograph:
Petra Hajská
2014-2015, Líbeznice
Líbeznice is an old village with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally an agricultural settlement with a church on a small hill, it became a hub for the surrounding area due to its favorable location and good facilities. This role remains today.
In the 20th century, the village underwent rapid development, which unfortunately affected its once picturesque appearance. A busy traffic route ran through the village center, and everything around it was covered with colorful advertisements. The heart of the village lost its natural focus and dignity. In recent years, however, local leadership, particularly mayors Otakar Hlavín, Martin Kupka, and Jan Havlíček, have been working to restore its sense of importance. A bypass was built around the village, the village square began to be reconstructed, a new urban plan was developed, and several small interventions have been implemented to improve the public space. Part of this effort also involved the renovation of the main municipal buildings, taking full advantage of a grant for insulation.
The municipal office is housed in a complex of two former agricultural buildings that were expanded over time according to changing needs. It was previously difficult to recognize the building as the administrative center due to its location beneath the bridge over the stream. The renovation gave the municipal building a new presence by elevating the space that was once used for drying fire hoses, and the addition of a tower with the village crest made it visible from afar. To further emphasize the role of the town hall, the main building with its tower and entrances was given strict symmetry and a vertically fluted façade. The second building, attached to the main structure, was restored to its rural cottage appearance, with a rough façade and asymmetrically placed windows.
A similar approach was taken with the renovation of the service building next to the town hall. The former residential building of a large farm, originally built in a neo-Renaissance style, had been converted by the local National Committee into a multi-story structure for various shops, businesses, and offices, which served not just the village but the entire region. Today, it houses the post office and building authority. The renovation returned order and dignity to the building, strengthening its significance with a tower featuring a clock, aligned with the main road.
The project became known locally as the "three Líbeznice towers," referring to the church, town hall, and post office towers. This was seen as a successful achievement in reaffirming the importance of these administrative buildings in the village.