OKO Towers

The OKO multifunctional complex is an outstanding achievement of modern architecture and engineering. Located in the very heart of the Moscow-City business district, this grand project has become a true landmark of the Russian capital. The name of the complex stands for “United by a Crystal Foundation,” reflecting the unique concept of two towers standing on a single multifaceted base.

Architectural Concept and Design of the OKO Tower

The project was developed by the legendary American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), founded in 1936. The company has more than ten thousand projects in fifty countries worldwide, including the famous Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Sears Tower in Chicago. The lead architect of the project was David Childs.

Conceptual Features

The architectural solution of the complex is based on the perfection of simple geometric forms. At first glance, the towers appear strictly rectangular, but their facets are skillfully beveled, creating a visual effect of soaring upward. The facades are decorated with honeycomb-shaped recesses that give the building a special elegance and sophistication. The glazing is made with panoramic stained-glass windows, some of which reach five meters in height. This ensures maximum penetration of natural light and creates a feeling of lightness and airiness of the structure. The tandem of concrete and glass forms a visual effect of infinity, making the complex appear to float above the city.

Structure of the Multifunctional Complex

The OKO complex consists of several key elements, each performing its important function.

South Tower – Residential Skyscraper

The South Tower is a true giant among European skyscrapers:

• Height of 354 meters, making it the third-tallest building in Europe
• 85 floors
• Contains 365 apartments and 2 luxurious penthouses of 790 and 1150 square meters
• Apartment sizes range from 80 to 298 square meters
• Ceiling height reaches 3.2 meters
• Europe’s highest observation deck is located on the roof

Apartments are delivered with premium-class finish comparable to the Four Seasons hotel level. Interiors use natural stone and valuable wood species. New owners receive housing with premium plumbing and a fully equipped kitchen with Kuppersbusch appliances.

North Tower – Business Center

The North Tower is entirely dedicated to premium-class office space:

• Building height – 245 meters
• 49 floors
• Total office area exceeds 55,000 square meters
• Houses the Moscow government and representative offices of major companies
• Minimum office area is 200 square meters

Crystal – Public Zone

Both towers are united by a grandiose six-story stylobate in the form of a multifaceted crystal. This public part of the complex concentrates diverse infrastructure and serves as a connecting element between the office and residential parts.

Construction History of the OKO Complex

The developer and builder of the project was Capital Group. Although the project was designed back in 2001, construction work began only in 2012. Plot No. 16 was divided into two parts: 16A for the office and residential buildings, and 16B for the multi-level parking garage.

Project Implementation Stages

1. 2001 – creation of the architectural design
2. 2011–2012 – start of construction works
3. 2014 – commissioning of the North Tower
4. 2016 – completion of the South Tower construction
5. 2017 – opening of the observation deck
6. 2019 – full completion of all works

The towers were erected simultaneously, alternately overtaking each other by five to seven floors. Thanks to the coordinated work of the builders, the project was implemented in a relatively short time. The total investment volume amounted to 600 million US dollars.

Engineering Systems and Technologies

The OKO MFC is equipped with the most modern engineering communications, providing maximum comfort and safety:

• Central air-conditioning system with automatic climate control
• Supply and exhaust ventilation with multi-stage air filtration and heating
• Automatic fire-extinguishing and smoke-removal systems
• Individual heating station for each tower
• Multi-stage drinking-water purification system
• Latest-generation fiber-optic communication lines

Elevator Equipment

The complex has more than 60 high-speed silent elevators with intelligent control. Among them are passenger, freight, and special panoramic elevators. The smart distribution system minimizes waiting time and ensures fast delivery of residents and visitors to the desired floors.

Observation Deck “Higher Only Love”

On the roof of the South Tower, at a height of 354 meters, is located Europe’s highest open observation deck with the romantic name “Higher Only Love”. It opened in 2017 and quickly became one of the capital’s main tourist attractions.

Opening Hours and Visit Features

• Open daily: weekdays 12:00–23:00, weekends 10:00–23:00
• Admission for visitors aged 6 and older
• Children under 16 only accompanied by adults
• Ascent accompanied by a manager
• Visit duration – 1.5 hours
• Meeting point at the fountain in the Afimall shopping center

Ticket Prices

Tickets are sold exclusively online with payment at booking or immediately before the ascent:

• Adult ticket (14+) – 1,800 rubles
• Child ticket (6–14 years) – 1,000 rubles

What Is Included in the Ticket Price

• Sightseeing tour of Moscow landmarks (every hour from 12:00 to 18:00)
• Free use of binoculars and 600× telescopes
• Blankets and raincoats depending on weather
• Complimentary non-alcoholic drink and dessert from the café
• Professional photographer services
• Free Wi-Fi and restrooms
• Access to a photo zone with romantic soundtracks
• Unlimited photo opportunities

From the height, breathtaking views open onto Vorobyovy Gory, Luzhniki, Poklonnaya Gora, the Moscow River embankment, and other skyscrapers of the business center. On clear days, visibility reaches several tens of kilometers.

Infrastructure of the Multifunctional Complex

The OKO MFC fully lives up to its name thanks to its developed infrastructure covering all spheres of life and work.

Public Spaces and Services

• Restaurants and cafés of various formats, including Europe’s highest restaurant RUSKI
• Largest conference hall of 2,000 sq.m
• Event venue for various events
• Bank branches and ATM network
• High-tech dry cleaning with personal manager and delivery
• Premium fitness club
• Europe’s highest ice rink
• Pool with modern equipment
• Spa center with thermal zone
• Private cinema hall
• Karaoke room

Concierge Service

For residents’ comfort, a 24/7 concierge service operates, capable of solving almost any everyday issue:

• Ordering cleaning services
• Pet walking
• Receiving deliveries
• Restaurant table reservations
• Transfer arrangement
• Solving other daily tasks

Parking Infrastructure

The OKO complex has Europe’s largest parking facility, a significant advantage for a business center of this scale.

Parking Characteristics

• Total capacity – 3,740 cars on 16 underground levels
• Additional two-level above-ground parking for 179 cars
• Specialized bicycle parking on the first floor
• Direct access from residential lobby and business center
• Modern navigation and management system

Transport Accessibility

The complex is located at: 1st Krasnogvardeysky Proezd, 21, building 2. It can be reached in several ways.

By Metro

• “Mezhdunarodnaya” station (Filyovskaya line, exit 90 m, 1 min walk)
• “Delovoy Tsentr” station (Kalinin-Solntsevskaya line)
• “Vystavochnaya” station – 760 m, 9 min walk

By Bus

Bus stops right at the tower: routes М31, М32, С344.

By Car

Convenient access via:

• Kutuzovsky Prospekt
• Third Transport Ring
• Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment

Records and Achievements of the OKO Complex

The OKO multifunctional complex holds numerous records and awards:

• Third-tallest building in Europe (South Tower)
• Highest open observation deck in Europe
• Highest ice rink on the continent
• Largest parking in Europe
• Winner of FIABCI Prix d’Excellence 2016 in the category “Best development project in the Russian real estate market”

The estimated value of the complex is 1.82 billion US dollars, with a market value exceeding 266 billion rubles.

Cultural Life and Events

Every month, dozens of diverse events attracting business and cultural elite take place in the OKO Crystal:

• Fashion shows by leading designers
• International business conferences
• Gala receptions and banquets
• Contemporary art exhibitions
• Corporate events

The observation deck is also used for romantic dates, marriage proposals, wedding photoshoots, and birthday celebrations.

Green Zone and Landscaping

A unique feature of the complex is the presence of a green courtyard with original landscape design – a rarity for the Moscow-City business district. On an area of about 4,000 sq.m there are:

• Artificial pond
• Walking paths
• Children’s playgrounds
• Sports zones
• Relaxation areas with small architectural forms

Security System

Entry to the complex is through automatic photocell doors. There is no complicated access control system, which eliminates queues. Friendly administrators are ready to help every visitor find the desired company or infrastructure facility. Despite the absence of visible barriers, the complex operates a reliable multi-level security system including video surveillance, patrolling, and modern access-control technologies, ensuring complete peace of mind for residents and employees.

Commercial Real Estate and Rental Rates

Office premises in the North Tower are in high demand due to the prestigious location and premium finish level.

Office Offer Characteristics

• Areas from 3 to 6,122 sq.m
• Monthly rent: from 34 thousand to 32.35 million rubles
• Price per sq.m per year: from 24 to 181 thousand rubles
• Average rental rate: 34.2 thousand rubles per sq.m per year
• Options with finish and furniture

Interior Design

The design of public areas was created by the renowned Italian architect and designer Massimo Iosa Ghini. His signature style is recognizable in every detail – from the lobby design to the finishing of common spaces. The designer created a modern elegant environment matching the complex’s status. Residents and guests are greeted by a luxurious lobby with reception desk, executed using premium-class natural materials. The space is organized to create an atmosphere of comfort and respectability.

Conclusion

The OKO multifunctional complex is a vivid example of modern architecture where functionality is harmoniously combined with aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency. It is not just two skyscrapers, but an entire city within a city, uniting business, housing, leisure, and entertainment under one roof. The complex has become a significant addition to Moscow’s architectural landscape and a symbol of the ambitious development of the Russian capital. Thanks to thoughtful infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies, and advantageous location, OKO holds leading positions among premium-segment real estate objects not only in Russia but throughout Europe. Visiting the “Higher Only Love” observation deck will give unforgettable impressions and allow you to see Moscow from a completely new perspective, feeling the scale and beauty of the modern capital.