Ermanno Boeris is Business Director of Lucron, taking part as a developer at VYDRICA Development, a.s. to implement the Vydrica Project.
Why is Vydrica unique from your point of view?
Vydrica was destroyed 50 years ago. The most important area in Bratislava was demolished over 20–30 years during the strongest economic boom in Slovakia. Lucron, a part of Vydrica Development, was the only company with the courage to embark on the project. It understood the concept of building something that is architecturally interesting and economically functional, not “boxes” according to Excel spreadsheets. Of course, the business plan should also be profitable, but some decisions in Vydrica are at the expense of profit only to preserve the architecture and materials to match the location. This cannot be found easily in Slovakia or anywhere else. This is very important to me.
The concept of leisure means that you go out, enjoy a coffee, take it outside to the park. You watch people crossing, read a book under a tree, see some art or go to a concert.
What is your vision of Vydrica from your point of view as business director?
We are developing the idea that Vydrica is a promenade for everyone. Even though living in the city centre does not suit everyone, the benefits of being in the city centre should be for all Bratislava residents, Slovaks and tourists. First of all, we will not be a shopping mall. We are creating a project that will devote more than 50% of the area to gastronomy, cafes and bars. We will focus on promoting new ideas and new brands, on street food that wants to establish itself. It will find space here that may not be large but can be open longer. We will also create modern and more efficient areas for gastronomic establishments which do not have these opportunities in the historical centre. Expansion of the pedestrian zone will benefit the entire Old Town.
Vydrica will be a place for the city’s residents to relax, sit with friends or family over a good lunch or just on a bench under a tree. In English, this concept is called “leisure”. What can we incorporate into this term?
“Leisure” could be a nice street or place, for example, to take unique wedding photos. It could be a pub with billiards and darts. The concept of leisure means that you go out, enjoy a coffee, take it outside to the park. You watch people crossing, read a book under a tree, see some art or go to a concert. Leisure also incorporates space created for families with children. Vydrica is designed to be a location for all, not a high-street concept for just a selected few.
