Skanska lays the cornerstones for its two office investments – Generation Park and Spark – at the end of Neighbors’ Week. Workshops, a vernissage, summer cinema and a dance party – this is how Skanska celebrated the Neighbors’ Week together with its business partners and the residents of Wola. The week's activities culminated on 30th May, European Neighbors’ Day, when the cornerstones for both Spark and Generation Park office investments were symbolically laid by Skanska.
During the last few days, CytryNowy Square adjacent to the Spark investment, and the creative spaces of ArtBox and Przestrzeń Otwarta near Generation Park served as the location for the longest neighbor event ever to be organized in Warsaw. Local residents and employees working at offices located in Wola had the opportunity to relax by going to the summertime cinema, starting the day with a breakfast event as well as having fun at a dance party together with members of Dancing Międzypokoleniowy (Intergenerational Dancing). One of the highlights was a public vernissage of the works by Tytus Brzozowski, a well-known Warsaw-based artist and architect, in CytryNowy Square. Thanks to the characteristic elements of Warsaw’s architecture, the artist was able to create dream-like cities in his works. Furthermore, the craftsmen day at Wola provided the opportunity to receive advice and the services of a local seamstress, watchmaker, hairdresser, and bicycle mechanic. These attractions coincided with the launch of the summertime initiative organized by the Warsaw Rising Museum entitled “Pokój na lato”. In the café, Skanska signed the foundation acts for its two office projects – Generation Park and Spark – as well as announcing Skanska's planned relocation to Spark.
- We have been supporting the development of the Wola district for last 20 years by creating both workplaces and meeting places available to the public. In this district, we have delivered almost 140,000 sqm of flexible office space, and another 150,000 sqm is currently under construction. Furthermore, we have also launched numerous initiatives in co-operation with local communities, business partners and local foundations. We aim to develop spaces that encourage positivity and create green oases in the business heart of Warsaw, as well as nurturing good relations with our neighbors. The great potential and atmosphere of Wola district encouraged us to make the decision to relocate all of Skanska’s units to Spark – commented Arkadiusz Rudzki, Managing Director at Skanska office unit, during the ceremony.
In total, Spark will consist of three office buildings including a 130-meter high tower and a publicly available square with cascade steps that will encourage both residents and employees to meet and relax. Furthermore, numerous elements of the investment will include a water feature, floor trampolines and an exercise zone. In addition, beehives will be installed on the terrace of the first building. The beehives will be managed by professional beekeepers and the honey will be available for purchase at the nearby canteen.
Generation Park, located near Rondo Daszyńskiego roundabout, will offer three office buildings – X, Y (the tower) and Z. The names of the three investments refer to the three generations of people who both live and work in Wola. Residents of Warsaw will be able to visit numerous amenities located in the complex, have lunch in a nearby restaurant or relax in green surroundings.
Both Spark and Generation Park comply with the highest standards of sustainable and innovative building construction. Apart from being recognized with LEED Platinum certificates, both will also undergo certification with regard to their accessibility to seniors, parents with small children and people with disabilities. Furthermore, Spark will be the first office building developed by Skanska in the CEE region to apply for WELL certification. WELL is one of the most demanding systems that focuses on the health and wellbeing of people while evaluating the quality of office space.
Spark: key facts and numbers:
- Total leasable space in the complex: over 70,000 sqm GLA.
- Total leasable space in phase I: approx. 12,300 sqm.
- Scheduled delivery to market of phase I: Q1 2018.
- The first building to be developed will be building C, located closest to Karolkowa Street.
- Phase I of Spark will provide 86 parking places.
- Building C will consist of nine floors above ground.
- Certification: LEED Platinum.
- The architectural project was designed by Kuryłowicz&Associates studio.
- The project for the buildings’ construction and installation was designed by Buro Happold.
Generation Park: key facts and numbers
- Total leasable space of the complex: 84,000 sqm (X: 21,000 sqm, Y: 44,000 sqm, Z: 19,000 sqm);
- Building X:10 floors above ground, 2 below, building Y:34, building Z:14;
- Number of parking places available in the whole complex: 600 + 370 bicycle racks;
- Completion of construction works on phase I of the complex (building X) – Q4 2017;
- The project will be LEED Platinum certified;
- General contractor for the building is Skanska S.A.;
- JEMS Architekci architectural studio is the author of the architectural design
- The project for the buildings’ construction and installation was designed by Buro Happold.