The developer, which is an exclusive member of the Czech Green Building Council, is successfully proceeding in revitalization of the extensive brownfield of the former ČKD Slevárny a Moury complex in Prague 9 - Vysočany. The transformation of the 15-hectare plot, which is based on the urban and architectural design of the CMC Architects studio, was started in 2011. The previously neglected area is now becoming a new attractive district providing everything for a pleasant life of the city's inhabitants. It is characterized by both architecturally interesting buildings and a newly created public space for leisure time and meetings.
"We are excited to see our project, which we came up with 10 years ago, become a reality. The former industrial and, over time, neglected area is becoming one of the fastest growing development sites in Prague, "comments Doron Klein, AFI Europe's Director for the Czech Republic, adding:" We believe that focusing on brownfield revitalization makes sense - despite increased costs and a more complicated permitting process. In addition, these locations are usually located in the wider city center, which ensures excellent transport accessibility.”
AFI City: a new place to live
The main part of the project is dedicated to residential construction. At the moment, there are six apartment buildings with a total of 473 owner-occupied apartments. At the end of this year, the rough construction of 320 rental apartments will be completed and the construction of a building with another 320 rental apartments will be started this year. The revitalization of the brownfield also includes commercial and administrative premises. The first AFI City 1 office building was completed at the end of last year. The elegant tower rising to a height of 19 floors and 75 meters has become a new landmark of the site. The building features non-traditional architectural elements, such as a unique appearance of the façade, achieved by combining glazed surfaces with an atypical lattice in an elegant white design with a pearlescent luster. The AFI City 1 lobby is decorated with a work of art by the Czech artist Ivan Komárek in the form of a gear motif, which is a reminder of the rich industrial past of Vysočany.
Green public space
The AFI City includes a large park with a total area of 7,500 m2. It offers local residents and the general public a wide range of ways to use it: from relaxation to active leisure time. The park is dominated by green areas with paved paths lined with trees, ornamental shrubs and flowers. The southern area is dominated by a playground and benches surrounded by flower beds. In the northern part of the park there is a cascading sitting area suitable for recreation and meeting of neighbors. The whole park, which will include a garden restaurant, is designed as barrier-free.
Another public space in the form of a smaller square was created right next to the AFI City 1 building. It is interwoven with sidewalks, geometrically arranged flower beds and lawns with more than forty newly planted trees, benches and a fountain. The square then flows smoothly into the main promenade, passing through the entire district.