Skanska Property Czech Republic laid the cornerstone for its Corso Court office project in the city's Karlín business district today. The project is scheduled for completion in August 2015. Thanks to a number of innovative solutions, Corso Court will provide its future tenants with a comfortable and sustainable work environment.
The cornerstone ceremony was held next to the Corso Court construction site in Prague 8-Karlín. Jean Pierre Carniaux and Pablo Bofill from Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura, Dan Ťok, Statutory Director of Skanska a.s. and Marie Passburg, President of Skanska Property Czech Republic participated in the event by ceremoniously tapping the cornerstone.
The project is located in the established Karlín business district, with excellent access to public transportation. It is just a one-minute walk from the Křižíkova metro station and tram stop. Karlín, with all its industrial charm, is an attractive business location thanks to its vicinity to the city center and its genius loci.
“In Karlín, residential and commercial developments connect and complement each other in an ideal way. Administrative offices are located predominantly in new buildings that manage to attract new tenants and help modernize Karlín. The quality architecture that arises here is a great benefit – though still not always appreciated. Corso Court will be another significant building that will enhance the Karlín district's dynamic character as not just a great place to work, but also a pleasant and friendly place to live,” says Jiří Janků, the Mayor of Prague 8.
The seven-story building, which will offer approximately 17,000 sq m of leasable space, is scheduled for completion in August 2015. Future tenants will appreciate abundant natural daylight thanks to the building's glass façade, imposing atrium, terraces and large garden, which can be used for work activities as well as relaxing.
Corso Court was designed by Ricardo Bofill, the world-famous Spanish architect, who is known for incorporating glass, steel and arches into his projects. This is the architect's fifth project in this suburb which ensures that Corso Court will fit in perfectly with the surrounding.
“The Corso Court building, within the heart of Karlín district, will be the link between Prague's glorious past and its promising future. Its modern design provides a nice contrast to the neighborhood's industrial past. There is no future without memory and thanks to all the teams involved, this new office building will be both a new landmark for Prague as well as a reminder of its history,” says Jean Pierre Carniaux, Partner at architectural studio Ricardo Bofill, Taller de Arquitectura.
Corso Court follows the philosophy of Skanska Group´s sensitive approach to development and building construction and aims to acquire LEED Gold certification. The innovative solutions incorporated into the design will help create a comfortable work environment in the offices, while at the same time reduce electricity and water consumption, thus lowering operating costs for the tenants. Past awards given to Skanska Group speak to the company's high-quality developments.
The first tenants will move into Corso Court in autumn 2015. Approximately 50 percent of the building will be occupied by Skanska itself. Corso Court will become the new headquarters for several Skanska divisions operating on the Czech market, including Commercial Development, Residential Development and Construction.
”Further tenant negotiations are underway which proves the great potential of the Karlín district and the project itself’’, comments Marie Passburg, President, Skanska Property Czech Republic. “Corso Court is Skanska’s sixth office investment in Prague and thus reflects our years of experience in development. It meets the highest requirements of architecture, design, work environment and especially sustainability and energy efficiency.”