New coworking space in Prague was open in November 2016 in former printing workshop at Štencův dům, a listed national heritage site.
It was built in 1909-1911 by young architect Otakar Novotný, later author of many influential buildings, for publisher Jan Štenc. It became a meeting point for the best artists and architects of the early 20th century. In the communist era, the building suffered from some inappropriate interventions, but fortunately, it didn't destroy its main qualities. After return to ownership of Jan Štenc's descendants, it was extensively renovated in 90's.
The area of the original workshop was rented out to hair and cosmetics company as their headquarters and showroom. After they left, it was empty for a few years, used from time to time for presentations, fashion shows, exhibitions, and filming. When the founders of Opero saw it, they realized it was the right space for their new plans. Opero should become the place of encounter for professionals from business, culture and technology background and bring the building former glory back.
Opero is located in the real heart of Prague, literally around the corner from Old Town Square, in the little street Salvátorská. Hidden in the courtyard, it's separated from the street buzz.
Architect Novotný placed regular forms of interconnected industrial buildings to the irregular courtyard plan, this simple solution helps natural light reach almost every corner, some of them from more than one side, creating a rare atmosphere. There are private atriums and terraces accessible from some rooms. Space is organized on various levels, helping to create many ways of use, suitable for co-working.
To work in such environment is a dream job not only for an architect. However, there was still a lot of work for us to be done: the area on the second floor was divided to create separate offices. We decided to remove plasterboard walls and ceilings from 90's and uncover original structure. The oak and Marmoleum flooring was necessary as a part of the reconstruction. New electrical wiring was installed. The area was furnished with custom furniture pieces and details, combined with equipment and lighting from local companies and some pieces from Ikea.
Based on historical background, temporary exhibitions take place on walls of Opero. Artworks shown on photographs are from young Czech artist Marek Číhal. His colorful work goes well with the historical space and sharp lines of the space.
The main working area is divided by an open atrium into two rooms. In the main shared space, clients can choose a seat at five massive wooden tables, with plenty of personal space. The tables are divided in the middle by wooden needles, that don’t act as a physical, rather a psychological barrier. The second room, across an open atrium from the main area, is used for private desks.
With the nightfall, the main space transforms for events, the lighting coming from stage lights and central lightbulbs with no shades that reflect festively on the windows, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere. Furniture can be easily disassembled and moved away to make space for comfortable couches and chairs, or theatre-like style of seating. Opero has space for all scale of events, from fashion shows to presentations, or talk shows.
The building has four meeting rooms in total, smallest one is in the back and its intimate setting is great for coaching sessions or private meetings. The large creative room is also located on the back, with write-on wall and whiteboard tables. On both sides of the entrance are located two other meeting rooms, a smaller one with glass walls looking into the private-desk section and a large representative one, furnished with a massive wooden table with concrete legs. Private offices are located on the second floor, where the member only café is also located. From the café a gallery overlooking the main space and a terrace are accessible.
