Smichov south / Campus Prague
Prague, Czech Republic
International ompetition, finalist with continued commission
201 7 – ongoing

The commission for the new buildings in the Smichov south district in central Prague started with an urban planning and architectural competition held by the Czech bank Ceska Sporitelna in collaboration with the City of Prague and organized by the CCEA, the Centre for Central European Architecture, an independent non-profit organization based in Prague. The new Ceska sporitelna Headquarters will be part of the Smfchov City, a 20-ha property in Prague 5 that will include offices and commercial, as well as residential development for approximately 3.300 residents, and public buildings and schools. This development will transform the old railway station into a multifunctional district with parks and quality public spaces.

Tham & Videgard designs two office buildings, 30.000sqm plus underground parking and loading, with commercial and public spaces at ground level. The site faces the central park at the comer of the new districts’ Rambla, the main street for pedestrians and bikes, running through the new neighbourhood from north to south. With the use of the same structural grid for both buildings, the architecture is constructed through the detailing of pre-cast and coloured concrete fagade elements. Protruding horizontal eaves with integrated exterior shades above the large and continuous windows contribute to natural sun protection to achieve good 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 will be dedicated to a landscaped park for recreational use.