Ústředí ČSOB

Gazing up at the gleaming facade of Štředí ČSOB, have you ever wondered what secrets it holds? This modern architectural marvel, located in Prague 5 – Radlice near the Radlická metro station, serves as the headquarters of the Československá obchodní banka. It’s more than just a building. It’s a testament to the bank’s history and a symbol of its modern vision. Štředí ČSOB’s story begins in 2002 with the decision to consolidate the bank’s scattered branches into a single, unified headquarters. This led to a design competition, won by Skanska with a design by architect Josef Pleskot of AP Atelier. Construction of Štředí ČSOB commenced in 2005 and concluded in early 2007. The building itself is a complex of six interconnected blocks, with two entrances. One entrance conveniently sits near the metro station, while the other graces the western side of the complex. Though low in height, its extensive footprint encompasses a series of atria, bathing the interior with natural light. Imagine strolling down the 2100-meter “street” on the ground floor of Štředí ČSOB. This central artery pulses with life, connecting various communal spaces. A café, a canteen, meeting rooms of various sizes, a conference hall, even a medical center are all within easy reach. From this bustling hub, six vertical cores provide access to three floors of office space and rooftop gardens. These gardens are more than just decorative. They serve as a green oasis for employees, featuring not just grass and shrubs, but a surprising number of mature trees, thanks to the deep soil layer. But Štředí ČSOB wasn’t finished growing. In 2013, the bank announced plans for expansion, leading to a second building. This new structure, designed by Marek and Štěpán Chalupa of Chalupa architekti and built by Hochtief, was completed in February 2019. It sits nestled into the slope above Radlická street, its form mirroring the terrain. The new building at Štředí ČSOB connects to the original via a covered walkway spanning Radlická street. Its rooftop gardens, each designed as a relaxation space, even feature an exercise track and a streetball court. The building’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its 177 geothermal wells, providing energy for heating and cooling. The rooftop gardens also contribute by collecting rainwater, positively impacting the microclimate around Štředí ČSOB. Štředí ČSOB stands as a testament to innovative design and sustainable practices. Its journey from a consolidation effort to a two-building complex reflects the bank’s own growth and forward-thinking approach.