"GIRAFFE PARK" PROJECT – Neighborhood

Work is no longer just work, and office spaces now offer more than modern, energy-efficient environments for productivity. With work becoming a second home, especially after COVID, expectations have shifted. People now seek workplaces that are more attractive and inviting than their homes, making the office a place they want to come to.

Over the past few years, more than €15,000,000 has been invested in the “Skanstes City” project, which now includes not only 8 modern office buildings with underground and above-ground parking but also the newly opened “Giraffe Park”—an outdoor space featuring street food, concert and sports venues, opportunities to work and socialize outdoors, or simply enjoy a coffee with colleagues during lunch breaks. It’s no surprise that the project was recognized as the “Best Green Initiative” at BREL FORUM.

This name of the project was not chosen by chance. “Giraffe Park”—a place that embodies the spirit of foresight and elevated perspectives. The graceful creature symbolizes patience, encouraging visitors to appreciate the beauty of waiting for the right moments in life. “Giraffe Park” serves as a reminder to embrace your identity, just like these majestic animals with their distinctive spots. It is a place where intuition is celebrated, inspiring visitors to tap into their inner wisdom.

Among the important features of this project is the fact that Giraffe Park enhances informal socialising at work, taking office buildings to a new level. It is a place where you can interact with colleagues, meet friends, attend concerts, and participate in various events right next to your workplace.

TERRITORY

“Skanstes City” spans over 7.5 hectares within the district, offering open access adjacent to modern office buildings. In addition to existing eight modern office buildings and underground and above-ground parking for 1,300 cars, “Giraffe Park” was opened in June 2024. The park covers 2,000 m² and provides everything needed not only for an active lunch break but also for unwinding after work.

The expansive area includes a street food space, comfortable benches for relaxation and contemplation, concert venues, outdoor workspaces, and areas for playing basketball and table tennis. The park features three oval pavilions: an amphitheater, a stage, and an outdoor workspace. These pavilions are available daily for office employees and can also be used for large events, concerts, and conferences. Their location is thoughtfully designed: oriented away from the street and towards the park area, creating a sense of detachment from the urban hustle.

The area includes parking zones for bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles, and offers convenient public transportation infrastructure. This opens up a wide range of possibilities for the space: festivals, markets, evenings of traditional cuisines, or simply a quiet evening where colleagues, family, and friends can spend time outdoors. It is accessible not only to employees of nearby office buildings but to all interested and willing visitors.Residents and guests can follow the active social life of the complex, in particular, on the Facebook page.

AMENITIES

In addition to extensive parking for cars, bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles, the area also includes parking spaces for car-sharing services and convenient public transportation.

For the convenience of office building employees, common workspaces are equipped with power outlets and USB chargers, and there is accessible Wi-Fi throughout the park.

The park regularly hosts free sports training sessions, yoga classes, street food festivals, concerts, and other entertainment events, expanding opportunities. This makes “Skanstes City” a destination not just for work but for active community engagement.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The office buildings in the “Skanstes City” district are BREEAM certified, which signifies they meet high standards for sustainability and environmental performance. This certification ensures that the buildings are energy-efficient, have low environmental impact, and provide a healthy working environment.

Similarly, “Giraffe Park” embraces eco-friendly practices. LED lamps illuminate the park, significantly reducing electricity consumption. The electricity used for lighting is generated locally by solar panels installed over 2,800 m² within the district.

Rainwater is automatically collected and used to irrigate the plants behind the amphitheater.

Natural and eco-friendly materials with a reduced environmental footprint were used for the park’s construction and landscaping.

PROJECT TEAM

The project was designed by the architectural team from the “ĒTER” architectural bureau, and the construction of “Giraffe Park” was carried out by the company “Kvinta BCL.”

The official opening of the park took place on June 13, 2024.