David Chipfeld Architects won the competition for the schützenstrasse development of the Munich city centre complex. A jury chaired by Professor Ludwig Wappner of KIT University selected the office's design – developed in collaboration with landscape architecture firm atelier LOIDL – as the winner from 11 international entries.
Overall, the proposal echoes the medieval, small-scale urban structures surrounding it, and the rational, representative scale of the former imperial capital, combining these two principles into a new metropolitan architecture. Once completed, it is hoped to create a lively urban atmosphere through functional diversity and spacious public green spaces.
David Chipfeld Architects envisioned the ground floor of the complex as a permeable column-like hall with a visible recyclable concrete structure connecting prielmayerstrasse and schützenstrasse streets through two passages. On both streets, the complex's arcades invite passers-by to explore a diverse range of public projects, including green spaces, rest areas, cultural facilities, shops, cafes and restaurants.
Located on the first floor are building volumes of different sizes, which are getting smaller and smaller at the top. Between these volumes, tree-lined terraces and lush vegetation, publicly accessible rooftop views provide an inviting outdoor venue on multiple levels. Finally, the office sits on a higher floor as a wood hybrid structure wrapped in a green anodized aluminum profile on the front.
David Chipfeld said: "As architects, we realize that cities depend on the quality of private construction projects that give back to the city. This is more important than before. My partners and our team are excited to work on this project, which has the potential to create a strong public social dimension that strengthens the quality, richness and complexity of the city. “