Smíchov SouthSmíchov SouthSmíchov South
The commission for the new buildings in the Smíchov South district of central Prague began with an urban planning and architectural competition held by the Czech bank Česká spořitelna in collaboration with the City of Prague, and organised by the CCEA (Centre for Central European Architecture), an independent non-profit organisation based in Prague.
The new Česká spořitelna headquarters will be part of Smíchov City, a 20-hectare property in Prague 5 that will include offices, commercial premises, residential development for approximately 3,300 residents, public buildings and schools. This development will transform the old railway station site into a multifunctional district with parks and high-quality public spaces.
ThamVidegård has designed two office buildings, totalling 30,000 sqm plus underground parking and loading, with commercial and public spaces at ground level. The site faces the central park at the corner of the new district’s "Rambla"—the main thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists, running through the new neighbourhood from north to south.
Utilising the same structural grid for both buildings, the architecture is defined by the detailing of pre-cast, coloured concrete façade elements. Protruding horizontal eaves with integrated exterior shades above the large, continuous windows contribute to natural sun protection, achieving a high-quality interior climate and overall energy efficiency. At street level, entrances for restaurants, shops and offices are oriented towards the park and Rambla, while the interior of the block is dedicated to a landscaped park for recreational use.
