Smíchov City: Transforming Smíchov with Sekyra Group and DESVIX
Smíchov City stands as the most significant urban redevelopment initiative in modern Prague. Launched by Sekyra Group on the 20-hectare brownfield of the old Smíchov freight station starting September 2020, this project—valued at over 35 billion CZK in private investment—is set to redefine Prague’s western gateway with nearly 400,000 m² of mixed-use space, a one-kilometre pedestrian boulevard, 21,000 m² of parks, offices, housing, a new school, and a transportation terminal serving around 12,000 residents and workers by its projected 2032 completion.
However, the story of Smíchov City is not just about architecture and scale—it’s about digital transformation, powered by the DESVIX platform. From the earliest planning stages through public engagement, design coordination, and into the sales phase, DESVIX has enabled transparent collaboration and immersive visualizations that set new standards in Czech urban development.
Planning and Public Engagement Through Immersive Collaboration
Smíchov City’s planning began with a pioneering international architectural competition—including twelve studios for Phase I—and involved a decade and a half of public consultations organized with IPR Praha says remspace. Into this complex ecosystem entered DESVIX, offering a single, immersive digital platform where Sekyra, architects, urban planners, municipal representatives, and citizens could interact meaningfully with evolving proposals.
Rather than relying on static renderings or fragmented presentations, DESVIX empowered stakeholders to navigate full-scale 3D models of the boulevard, residential blocks, parks, and upcoming southern campus, observing how designs shaped urban life. Feedback—from urbanists to local residents—could be dropped directly into the model, allowing architects to refine massing, fenestration, heights, and public realm arrangements in real time.
Enhancing Design Efficiency and Transparency
DESVIX drastically improved coordination efficiency. For stakeholders, this meant fewer misunderstandings and fewer document exchanges. For planners and architects, it meant accelerated decision-making and clearer spatial communication without redundant presentations.
DESVIX also offered a public-facing portal: web-based VR experiences allowed residents and media to explore the ambitious one-kilometre pedestrian boulevard—complete with amphitheatre, tree-lined park spaces, and connectivity to transit hubs—fostering trust and enthusiasm .
Supporting the Sales Journey with Immersive Visualization
As apartments willl reach completion, DESVIX is set to transitionto a marketing and sales tool, delivering powerful benefits for prospective buyers. Users can now explore virtual tours showing unit layouts, view corridors toward Vyšehrad or Prague Castle, and the relationships between private homes and shared gardens or green courtyards.
This level of immersion helps buyers make informed decisions, reducing ambiguity and expediting sales—especially for units sold before full development of amenities and infrastructure.
Setting a New Benchmark in Urban Development
Smíchov City is already recognized as a model for Prague’s development—praised by UNESCO and urbanists for respecting heritage, pedestrian continuity, and diversity of architecture. But DESVIX elevates the project further: by enabling truly collaborative design, transparent public interaction, and immersive sales experiences, the platform ensures that digital fluency underpins the neighborhood’s success.
DESVIX offered a single source of truth across multi-phase planning, democratized access via web-based VR, and strengthened Sekyra’s positioning as a developer who places clarity, stakeholder collaboration, and technology at the core of urban regeneration.
Looking Forward: Phases II–IV and Beyond
With the southern campus—including Česká spořitelna’s green-roofed office complex, hotel, a major transport interchange, and a planned elementary school—moving into its next phase in 2024, DESVIX will continue to play a central role. It will support ongoing simulations, public hearings, and future sales—carrying forward the integrated, immersive model proven in the north.
