Prague greenlights Czechia's tallest skyscraper, sparking debate over impact

Prague city officials have approved the construction of the country’s tallest building, Top Tower, in the city's Nové Butovice neighborhood. The 135-meter skyscraper will include a distinctive shipwreck sculpture designed by artist David Černý and architect Tomáš Císař, and the developer Trigema will contribute nearly CZK 76 million toward city and district public space improvements.

The decision will affect traffic, local infrastructure, and the visual character of the surrounding neighborhood. The building will include residential units, offices, retail space, and a cultural center, potentially increasing population density and demand on public transport near the metro station Nové Butovice.

Prague's city council approved changes to the zoning plan and a so-called planning contract requiring Trigema to provide CZK 75.7 million to the Prague 13 district and the city. Of this, CZK 60.7 million goes to the city, partly as cash contributions and partly as improvements to public infrastructure, including parking lots, pedestrian underpasses, elevators, and public spaces.

Urban planners, historians, and art critics have raised concerns about Top Tower’s scale and aesthetics. Art historian Pavel Karous called the shipwreck installation “greenwashing” that masks negative effects on the neighborhood.

Critics warn the tower will overshadow nearby buildings, increase traffic congestion, and worsen environmental conditions such as the heat island effect.

Černý and Trigema defend the project, arguing that the building’s compact footprint is more sustainable than dispersed development and that the shipwreck sculpture adds cultural and symbolic value. Marcel Soural, CEO of Trigema, said the company plans to proceed with construction soon following the zoning approval.

The project has been compared to controversial developments in Prague’s past, such as the Dancing House, which faced initial public criticism but later became an iconic landmark. Supporters argue that Top Tower could similarly become a distinctive addition to the city skyline.

Top Tower reflects a trend in Prague and other European cities toward bold architectural projects that combine residential, commercial, and cultural functions. The city is balancing development with concerns about neighborhood character, environmental sustainability, and public benefits.

Construction is expected to begin once all permits are finalized and planning contributions are implemented. Residents and commuters in the area should expect ongoing public consultations, potential traffic adjustments, and updates on construction schedules.

Authorities and planners will monitor the tower’s impact on urban density, transport flow, and public spaces. The project may influence future zoning decisions and the approach to integrating large-scale, mixed-use developments in already built-up areas.