Amidst the modern architecture of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry stands a tribute to a visionary. This is the Otto Wichterle Artwork, a monument dedicated to the man whose inventions touched millions. The institute itself holds a piece of Wichterle’s legacy. He contributed to its design, a structure renowned for its innovative “beamless concrete ceilings and hanging walls.” This building, declared a national cultural monument in 2000, stands as a testament to Wichterle’s forward-thinking nature. In front of this architectural marvel, we find the Otto Wichterle Artwork. Created by sculptor Michal Gabriel, along with architects Oleg Haman and Jana Podpěbrová, the monument was unveiled in 2005. This marked Wichterle’s 90th birthday, a posthumous celebration of his remarkable life. He had passed away in 1998. On the same day, Wichterle was posthumously awarded the Walter J. Zable Medal for Excellence in Technology. This prestigious award, presented by the International Technology Institute in San Diego, recognized his lifelong dedication to scientific advancement. While Wichterle is best known for inventing soft contact lenses, his contributions extend far beyond this. He held numerous patents and authored a vast collection of publications. His work spanned organic, inorganic, and macromolecular chemistry, polymer science, and biomedical materials. Wichterle believed that science should serve society. He blurred the lines between “pure” and “applied” research, always seeking practical applications for his discoveries. The Otto Wichterle Artwork serves as a reminder of his indelible impact on science and the world.
Dolní Břežany
Could this grand Renaissance castle have once been a humble medieval fortress? It’s true! This is Dolní Břežany, dominated by