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a. wittlin associates authorized architects, s. r. o.  s l e z s k a _ 4 8 120 00 - p r a g u e c z e c h _ r e p u b l i c tel. : + 420 - 602 395 552 + 420 721 260 550
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RADIO FREE EUROPE HEADQUARTERS |
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"As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy." - Abraham Lincoln, 1809 - 1865. " what more felicity can fall to creature, than to enjoy delight with liberty... " - Spenser |  |
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Funded by the United States Congress and the American people, Radio Free Europe's mission is to promote democratic values. The new building through its form and articulation expresses the idea of democracy and the ideals of liberty, freedom and independence. Asked personally by RFE President Dine, we (Architect Wittlin) were requested to create and specifically design an "architectural gem". This is achieved with the 3 upward-reaching and outward-opening (petal) forms that extend from the box-like core (bud) which is the assembly hall. Each wing/leaf is an office building for the respective realms of radio broadcasting, television production, and administration. RFE broadcasts in 34 languages to 35 million listeners in 25 countries worldwide. |
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"It is impossible not to be sensible that we are acting for all mankind; that circumstances denied to others but indulged to us have imposed upon us the duty of proving what is the degree of freedom and self-government in which a society may venture to leave its individual members..." - Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Joseph Priestley, 1802. " The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the Republican model of government are justly and deeply considered...and finally staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people." - George Washington at his First Inaugural Address on April 30, 1789. |
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The shape of the building connotes a flower in bloom, its fragility and the all-enveloping beauty and openness of freedom (with subtle, albeit direct, reference to the "Rose" and "Tulip" Revolutions of Georgia and Kyrgyzstan respectively; as well as the host country's Czech "Velvet" Revolution and others). The edifice itself and the acumen it embraces are the light, the flame, and the beacon of hope and freedom for all peoples everywhere. |
