One of the familiar faces we met at Expo Real was Erik Štefanovič, the CEO of DELTA Group CZ and co-owner of DELTA Group’s international office. We naturally asked him what his impression was.
How did this year’s Expo Real impress you as a regular visitor?
This year’s Expo Real in Munich confirmed me in the fact that Czech cities and regions have something to offer and that the Czech Republic is definitely not resting on her laurels. The joint exhibition Czech Cities & Regions in Hall A2, stand no. 430, was not only visually attractive thanks to the design by the Chybík+Kristof studio, but above all, it was strong in content. The cities of Prague, Ostrava and Jihlava presented specific investment opportunities, strategic land, affordable housing projects and visions for the transformation of brownfields. Just after the speech given by the Mayor of Jihlava, Petr Ryška, who presented the dynamic development of the city, including the Horácká multifunctional arena, which is in the process of being completed, we also had the opportunity to follow up with a presentation of the vision for the transformation of brownfields. Personally, I felt that it is precisely at such moments when representatives of municipalities, experts and investors meet that space for truly meaningful debates arises. And that brownfields do not only represent a technical challenge, but also an opportunity to transform cities into living, sustainable and functional communities.
What does this transformation consist in?
Our vision for the transformation of industrial brownfields, which we develop together with CMb.industries under the CRownfield concept, is based on experience from projects such as the project of the former Tabakfabrik building in Linz, Austria. We have proven that abandoned areas can be a catalyst for urban development providing they are approached with respect, vision and an emphasis on cooperation. I believe that this area can be the key to the sustainable development of cities and municipalities in the Czech Republic as well.
You certainly had many meetings with business partners at the fair. Did the discussions have any common denominator?
DELTA Group CZ operates not only in Prague, but also in the Vysočina region. In Jihlava, we participate in the management and coordination of the aforementioned Horácká Multifunctional Arena project, we have built a strong team of building and civil engineering designers in BIM quality in Žďár nad Sázavou and in Prague, we have many representatives from amongst architects and experts in building development and project management, which allows us to work on large projects such as the Vltava Philharmonic or the development of the Hagibor district. It was also thanks to this that we held many valuable discussions with representatives of cities, municipalities and developers. What was evident to me throughout the discussions this year? Optimism, a desire to change things and courage.
If you had to evaluate the fair in three sentences, what would you say?
I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the positive atmosphere of the fair – especially the organizers of the Czech exhibition. The Czech Cities stand symbolized a great visiting card for the Czech Republic. And as for us at DELTA Group, it also confirmed that the path we have taken makes sense.
Arnošt Wagner /Photo: DELTA Archive, Messe München GmbH and Investinostrava.cz