Architectural, engineering, and construction-consultancy firm OBERMEYER Helika has acted as the general designer for the major expansion of Westfield Černý Most, developed by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW). This second phase of the project brings a new impulse and identity to the centre, adding over 9,100 m² of new retail area designed to accommodate more than 30 stores, restaurants, premium cinema halls, and additional services. A distinctive architectural expression now defines the centre’s northeast extension, serving as its new visual landmark. With a total floor area of 94,100 m², Westfield Černý Most is now the second-largest shopping destination in the Czech Republic, following Westfield Chodov—another key project delivered by OBERMEYER Helika.
Building on the move – and in Revit
“Due to the nature of the extension, the project was exceptionally demanding, especially as we needed to maintain the operation of the existing centre to the greatest extent possible. This required highly detailed construction phasing, with project documentation adapted for each phase of execution,” explains Ing. Roman Smida, Chief Project Engineer at OBERMEYER Helika.
During construction, the team encountered undocumented structural and technical elements, which required immediate on-site solutions and continuous updates to the design documentation. The entire project was delivered using BIM methodology in a 3D Revit environment, ensuring effective coordination across all disciplines and enabling quick incorporation of design changes.
Toward circularity
OBERMEYER Helika’s task was to provide both a technically and spatially efficient solution to create functional and attractive tenant spaces within the footprint constraints of the extension. The design team delivered full project documentation, including the concept for the new food court and a circular-design strategy aimed at reusing existing structural elements.
“As part of URW’s corporate strategy to reduce CO₂ emissions, we were asked to propose a concept for recycling existing building components that would typically be destined for landfill. The result is a unique reuse strategy for elements such as demolished façade panels, railings, gravel base layers, and other materials,” explains Ing. Jaroslav Němeček of OBERMEYER Helika’s Building Structures Studio.
Sustainability in every aspect
OBERMEYER Helika also provided the structural design of reinforced-concrete, steel, and timber elements. The project successfully met the requirements for BREEAM certification, which assesses buildings in terms of sustainability, safety, and environmental impact.
28 Years of Černý Most
First opened in 1997, Černý Most was one of the earliest major shopping centres in the newly independent Czech Republic. The new expansion builds on the second phase of construction initiated in 2000. The project’s architectural concept was created by the renowned London-based studio Benoy, known internationally for designing contemporary and sustainable retail destinations.
Key Project Information
Investor: Centrum Černý Most, s.r.o.
Architect: Benoy
General Contractor: GEMO a.s.
General Designer: OBERMEYER Helika a.s.
Construction Manager: RUBY Project Management s.r.o.
Construction timeline: 2024–2025
OBERMEYER Helika’s scope of work for the Westfield Černý Most extension:
• Zoning documentation
• Building-siting documentation
• Building-permit documentation
• Documentation for changes prior to completion
• Construction documentation
• BIM management
• Author’s site supervision
Photographs © Westfield Černý Most
