OKO

OKO (Russian: ОКО, obsolete Russian word for eye, also an abbreviation for Ob'yedinonnyye Kristallom Osnovaniya (Russian: Oбъединённые Кристаллом Oснования, literal meaning Foundations Bound by a Crystal)) is a complex of two very tall buildings in Moscow. These buildings are part of the Moscow International Business Center (MIBC), a special area in Moscow where many important buildings are built. The OKO complex covers a big space of about 250,000 square metres.

The two tall buildings are called the North Tower and the South Tower. The South Tower is the taller one, rising very high at 354.1 metres. When it was built, it was the tallest building in Europe for a short time. The North Tower is shorter but still very tall at 245 metres. Both buildings are used for different purposes, including places to live, offices, and a fancy hotel. There is also a big parking area that is part of the complex.

History

Construction of the OKO complex began in 2011.

In the summer of 2014, the South Tower of the OKO complex became the tallest building in Russia and Europe, but was later surpassed by another nearby tower just a few months later. The OKO complex was completed and opened for use on 28 November 2015.

On 27 July 2016, the Government of Moscow bought a large amount of space in one of the towers for office use. Later that year, on 16 December 2016, Europe’s tallest skating rink opened on the roof of the South Tower.

In 2023, a drone explosion damaged the OKO-2 and IQ-quarter buildings, breaking many windows and causing one injury.

Design

The two tall buildings in the OKO complex have special glass walls with folds that give them a unique look. These folds help the buildings lean over a nearby road. At the base of the buildings, there is a garden that provides a peaceful space for people to rest.

The South Tower has rooms for living and a hotel, and even a skating rink on the roof, which is the highest in Europe. The North Tower is used for offices. The complex also includes a restaurant and a fitness center.

Construction gallery

Here are some photos showing the construction of the OKO skyscrapers.

North Tower on 12 September 2012

South Tower on 12 September 2012

2 November 2014

22 March 2016