Hi-tech buildings in Prague

We live in a modern world and every metropolis has its own modern buildings. Even though Prague is one of the historical cities where you rarely find modern buildings, in 1953 the construction of the Žižkov Tower - television transmitter was planned. For these years the design of the building was very surprising. The architect of the project was Václav Aulický, who is known for using hi-tech elements in his buildings.

And why was this tower built? As I wrote, the construction of a television transmitter was planned in early 1953, when regular television broadcasting began in Czechoslovakia. At that time the signal spread from the Petřín Lookout Tower. But that was only a temporary place, so the government had to find another place. After a long search, the place connecting Žižkov and Vinohrady - Mohler park (Mohlerovy sady), where today we can find Tower Park, was chosen. 

What I really regret is the fact that the old Jewish cemetery, was destroyed because of the construction. But this place was chosen strategically. The signal had to cover the designated area, and the building was not allowed to disrupt the Prague skyline. Even so, the Žižkov Tower is the tallest building in Prague. It is over 200 meters high and consists of three towers with cabins attached to each other. In the cabins, you can find an exclusive hotel with only two rooms, a restaurant, and a 360-degree view.

The technology, which was used on the tower was patented by the creators. To a large part of the building, they used steel, because it was quick and easy to work with, so they can create an aerodynamic look that the creators wanted. On one website I read that a special laminate jacket was used to protect the antennas from external influences.

In 2000, Babies (Mimina) sculptures by architect David Černý, who is known for his controversial sculptures, were added to the building. Babies were placed on a tower in pursuance of the event European City of Culture project. In the year 2017, the sculptures have been removed from the tower. This year at the end of March, copies have been made to remain attached forever.

Although the Žižkov Tower in Prague has been around for a while and thanks to its unconventional outlook, it has many fans, on the other hand there are still many people who are clear that the tower does not fit in Prague.

Main information from: https://www.dumazahrada.cz/stavba-rekonstrukce/architektura/2009/8/27/neprehlednutelny-zizkovsky-vysilac/