Jan Kaplický, Czech architect, designed the Selfridges Building (d. 2009)
Jan Kaplický (Czech: [ˈjan ˈkaplɪtskiː]; 18 April 1937 – 14 January 2009) was a visionary Czech architect whose distinctive Neofuturist style left an indelible mark on the global architectural landscape. Born in Prague, then Czechoslovakia, his early architectural education and influences were rooted in Central Europe. However, following the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, Kaplický made the significant decision to relocate to the United Kingdom, where he would spend the majority of his professional life and ultimately establish his groundbreaking reputation.
In the UK, Kaplický became the leading force behind Future Systems, an innovative design office he co-founded in 1979. This practice became synonymous with a bold, often organic, and technologically advanced approach to architecture, frequently drawing inspiration from natural forms, biomimicry, and aerospace engineering. Their work consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional building design, embracing lightness, fluid forms, and advanced material use to create structures that looked as though they belonged to the future.
Among his most iconic and widely recognized achievements are two strikingly original buildings that epitomize his Neofuturist philosophy. The first is the extraordinary Selfridges Building in Birmingham, England. Completed in 2003, this department store immediately captured international attention with its curvilinear, blob-like form clad in thousands of shimmering, anodized aluminium discs. It dramatically re-envisioned the traditional retail environment, transforming a commercial building into a sculptural urban landmark that became a symbol of Birmingham's regeneration.
Equally celebrated is the Media Centre at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, completed in 1999. This award-winning structure, which earned the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize, is a testament to Kaplický's innovative spirit. Designed as a lightweight, semi-monocoque aluminium shell, reminiscent of an aircraft fuselage, it cantilevers dramatically to provide unobstructed views for the media while embodying a sleek, high-tech aesthetic. Its design showcases Future Systems' commitment to precision engineering and elegant, functional forms.
Kaplický's architectural vision extended beyond these famous projects, encompassing a range of speculative and built works that consistently challenged perceptions of what architecture could be. His work championed sustainability, prefabrication, and the integration of technology long before these concepts became mainstream. His untimely passing in 2009 left a void in the architectural world, but his legacy of daring, imaginative, and forward-thinking design continues to inspire architects and captivate the public.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jan Kaplický
What is Neofuturism in the context of Jan Kaplický's work?
Neofuturism, as seen in Kaplický's designs, is an architectural style characterized by dynamic, often organic or biomorphic forms, a strong emphasis on advanced technology and materials, and a vision that looks towards the future. His buildings often featured smooth, fluid lines, lightweight structures, and innovative construction techniques, moving away from traditional orthogonal forms to create a sense of movement and modernity.
What was Future Systems?
Future Systems was a highly influential architectural practice co-founded by Jan Kaplický in London in 1979. It was known for its experimental and innovative approach to design, often exploring radical shapes, advanced technologies, and sustainable concepts. The firm consistently pushed boundaries, producing designs that were both functional and strikingly sculptural, challenging conventional architectural norms.
What are Jan Kaplický's most famous buildings?
Jan Kaplický is most renowned for two landmark buildings: the distinctively curvilinear Selfridges Building in Birmingham, England, famous for its blue façade adorned with thousands of aluminium discs, and the sleek, aircraft-like Media Centre at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, which earned the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize.
Did Jan Kaplický win any major architectural awards?
Yes, Jan Kaplický, through his work with Future Systems, received significant recognition. Most notably, the Media Centre at Lord's Cricket Ground was awarded the highly coveted Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize in 1999, one of the UK's most prestigious architectural accolades.
Where was Jan Kaplický originally from?
Jan Kaplický was originally from Prague, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic). He spent a significant portion of his adult and professional life in the United Kingdom after emigrating in 1968.