In the lower center of the Northern Bohemian city of Liberec, located in the former Sudetenland, lies "Papírák" – a unique area that feels like a periphery in the middle of the city. This place, where time seems to have stood still, has evoked strong emotions among locals for decades. For some, it represents a lost gem, a reminder of the city's rich history and identity, while for others, it is a neglected area that should be replaced with modern development.
At the beginning of the 20th century, "Papírák" was a thriving industrial district full of factories and townhouses. The impact of the post-war events, the displacement of the original population and the subsequent transformation of the region have left significant traces on this locality. With the advent of communism came decades of totalitarianism, emptiness and complete disinterest in this part of the city. Today, only fragments of the original buildings remain - silent testimonies of an era that is slowly disappearing.
Liberec is now launching an ambitious project called "Papírák 2030", which will transform the area into a modern neighbourhood with affordable housing, cultural spaces and a creative spirit. My photographic project charts this fragile process of transformation, capturing the last vestiges of genius loci and exploring how history is constantly being reshaped by contemporary visions.
For me, "Papírák" is not only a story about one specific location, but also a universal example of the relationship between people and the environment. It shows how our interventions change the landscape around us, and at the same time how the environment we live in influences our identity, memories and future direction. This project is a testament to the clash of history and modernity, of people and their city, a place that has been shaped but also shaping.