Supertemporal historical architectureCOVID-19 has brought a number of changes and question marks into our lives. What we once perceived as certain, is no longer so. Changes implied by COVID-19 have affected most of our lives and shall also be expectedfor office buildings. These can no longer be perceived via a prism of location or design. Employees´ health has been put in first place, and requiresadaptation of buildings to specific needs resulting of the pandemic. Number of employees per square meter, quality of the interior air and its distribution throughout office premises Have becomne the most discussed topics. Spilka was designed in the 1950s as part of the Stein brewery. It is now the only preserved building of the former brewery and it is a listed cultural heritage building. The architects managed to transform this former fermentation house into a lucrative administrative space. With its style of supertemporal classicism it differs from the majority of administrative space on the market. . During the summer months, the thick brick and ferroconcrete walls slow down the heat gains in the building and combined with exterior thermal insulation, provide excellent thermal inertia throughout the entire structure. Full capacity air-conditioning shall rarely be put to use during the summer months. The building is less prone to heat gains and more resistant to heat losses, which ensures a higher quality of interior space together with economical and energy efficiency advantages. Another positive factor is that the humidity of interior air remains lower if air-conditioning levels are not at full blast, thus decreasing the probability of microorganism survival. Air intake and its internal circulation have also become a point during the pandemic.,. There are no current studies proving that air-conditioning systems are able to carry and spread viruses. Nevrtheless it can be expected that air and its distribution issues in office spaces may become widely discussed topics for years to come. In the Spilka building, air supply is intaken via raised floor. Alternative methods of fresh air intake can become an effective solution to air-conditioning drawbacks, as the fresh air does not get mixed so much before it gets to an employee.
Some may see the beauty in high ceilings while others may see them as a waste of space. After the COVID-19 pandemic, this waste of space becomes a positive. The clear heights of the Spilka building are above standard and provide over 50% more air per person than a standardised office building. Apart from its excellent location and unique office space, Spilka also upholds the highest standards of hygiene with regards to air intake, its quantity and quality provided by its clear height and technology of air distribution, thus preventing spread of viruses.
A healthy workplace is what counts.