City Library in Karlín - Conversion and addition to the Historical Building

The project addresses the conversion of a historic building into a new civic facility a public library designed for the Karlín district, where the building is located. The structure, referred to as the "rear building," is part of the former Karlín Barracks complex, situated among streets: Vítkova, Křižíkova, and Prvního pluku, specifically at Křižíkova 12, Prague 8 (building no. 20). The building has undergone numerous alterations over time, as documented by historical photographs and a building-historical survey. The central part of the original structure has been preserved, while the two later-added side wings identified in the historical survey as disruptive have been demolished. In their place, a new two-story extension with a basement was designed to accommodate the library functions. To increase the interior space, an additional extension with a lightweight glazed façade was added. The existing structural system consists of mixed masonry (stone and brick) on the ground floor, and presumed brickwork on the later-added upper floor. The new construction is designed with a concrete structural system, combining perimeter and internal load-bearing walls with horizontal concrete slabs. The lightweight façade is supported by a steel column system. The project seeks to create a respectful dialogue between the historical character of the building and its new public function, balancing the preservation of architectural values with the spatial and technical requirements of a modern library.