Jan Kaplicky

Architect

Birthday April 18, 1937

Birth Sign Aries

Birthplace Czech Republic

DEATH DATE Jan 14, 2009 (71)

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About

Known for designing the Media Centre at Lord's Cricket Ground in London and the Selfridges Building in Birmingham. Won the international competition in 2007 for designing the National Library of the Czech Republic, a project that was ultimately canceled.

Before Fame

He graduated from the College of Applied Arts and Architecture and Design in Prague in 1962. He was in private practice from 1964 until 1968. He fled to London after the Prague Spring.

Trivia

He had a futuristic, high-tech style, and was the lead architect for the firm, Future Systems.

Family Life

He was the only child born to a sculptor and a botanical illustrator. He began a relationship with fellow architect Eva Jiřičná in 1969.

Associated With

He aspired to be an innovative architect like Frank Lloyd Wright.