Quadrio, mixed use regeneration, Prague, CZ

Project Details

Project Description

CPI Group a.s. (Czech Property Investments) commissioned Czech architect Cigler Marani to design this project in the centre of Prague. The site sits atop Národní Třida metro station, which is only two stops from all of the City’s metro lines and the busiest in Prague. There is also a tram stop outside, which delivers customers and office workers in large numbers.
Prior to this regeneration project, the area had become a little run-down and was a secondary retail location. This was in part because of demolition of the original dozen or so historic buildings on the site to make way for the metro station ticket hall, built by the Russians in the 1970s. The gothic basements of the original buildings remained and these are now preserved as part of the new development. Next to the site is the landmark former MY department store, now occupied by Tesco.
The design features five blocks that are loosely connected by the floating sixth block over the retail centre with its “fractured façade”.
Quadrio’s retail mall, which is on four levels, is a thoroughfare linking the busy Spalena, with its entrance to the metro and constant tram traffic with a new public square which features a spectacular kinetic sculpture by Czech artist, David Cerny. The retail malls also connect with the MY department store building.
The offices and apartments have their own entrances, although office workers can leave the metro via the retail area and go straight into their offices though a dedicated entrance. The offices and retail are linked visually be the glass lifts and even the escalators are glass clad – giving a light and airy feel.
Externally the apparent height of the building is reduced by the beautifully detailed frameless top corner, which allows sunlight to pass through it, with no dark edge visible from the ground.
Cigler Marani is run by prominent Czech architect, Jakub Cigler and Vincent Marani – immediate past president of the AIA European Chapter