Construction starts on Zaha Hadid Architects’ Slovakian “Sky Park”

Construction has begun on a three-tower mixed-use project developed by Slovakian property company Penta Investments and designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) for a reconditioned industrial site in Bratislava.

ZHA describes its "Sky Park" as "integral to the redevelopment of this derelict industrial area of the city".

The design converts an abandoned site into a 20,000 sq m public park. This is the setting for 700 apartments and 55,000 sq m of office and retail space.

At the centre of the park is a decommissioned turbine hall designed by Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič, the father of modern Slovakian architecture, who is also known for designing Great War graveyards.

The Jurkovičova Teplárne heating plant dates from 1941 and is "definitive of the Slovak architect’s later work" according to ZHA. The plant was threatened with demolition before being purchased by Penta Investments, the group behind the Sky Park development. It is now listed as a national cultural monument and its façades will be repaired and reinstated as part of the project.

The project also includes amenities such as playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic sites, running tracks, sports field, a "dog zone" and an orchard.

Almost 60% of the apartments within Sky Park have sold since becoming available earlier this month. Two office buildings will be constructed in the second phase of the project, the first of which has already received planning permission.

Patrik Schumacher, principal of Zaha Hadid Architects, said: "Sky Park is currently one of the most important Penta projects, not only due to the size of the investment, but also due to the overall significance for our capital city, with its concept and solution of public spaces."

In other Slovakian news, Danish architect Effekt designed a 120,000 sq m residential development in Bratislava and Slovakian firm AeroMobil said their flying car will be available for order by the end of 2017.

Images courtesy of ZHA/Penta Investments