The Czech Republic is set to receive yet another major new architectural addition after Chybik + Kristof unveiled plans for what it says will become the country’s tallest skyscraper. 

Located in the central district of Ostrava, the 235-meter (771-foot) Ostrava Tower is a case for “[reconsidering] the typology of the skyscraper into a new functional entity responsive to the contemporary social needs,” according to the architects. Namely, the 98,000-square-meter (1.05-million-square-foot) multi-use building will bring to light the important activation of public space caused by the infill project which began in 2019.

Ostrava is in the process of completing its three-decade transformation from a coal and heavy metals producer to a newer economy that leans on its rich stock of traditional architecture in order to create the necessary spaces required to keep up with the demands of its million-plus inhabitants in the metropolitan area.

In step with the new Steven Holl-designed concert hall and host of other university and cultural buildings, the Tower will further push the transformation even further with its distinctive presence.

Per the architects: “its diagonal geometry, unifies the entire building, allowing its alternating levels of publicly accessible functions and private facilities to act in harmony. Shifted on its own axis, the design of the building composed of a complex set of alternating walls and its glass façade, supports the multipurpose functions and enables the residential units’ stunning vistas of the city and the surrounding landscape, while also providing privacy and substantial living space.”

“The shape of the building expands out, offering expansive views with its sky garden, while simultaneously level zero connects the lobby to its new square, expanding and activating the building's public space. The new plaza is designed in a way that it correlates to the scale and purpose of the inside spaces. Purposely, the architects designed the two widest spaces (the lobby and sky garden) to be used as recreational areas, inviting the public to activate the building. Dispersed throughout Ostrava Tower, additional public spaces include; offices, a congress centre, retail services and a hotel.”

A rooftop cafe and restaurant with panoramic views complete the 56-story building, which will also connect four of the city’s major traffic arteries for the first time. Construction is set to begin in 2023 with a topping-out and completion to follow in 2027.