Guiding Architects Munich is exploring the new Siemens headquarters on their professional tours for architects. This complex is currently one of the most interesting places to visit in Munich if you are looking for a high quality building in terms of urban design, sustainability and energy efficiency.

The Siemens headquarters by Henning Larsen Architects opened on June 25, 2016. Within a construction period of almost three years, the complex contains a total surface area of 45,000 square metres and provides work floors for 1,200 employees.

An outstanding feature is its integration into the surrounding urban environment. Special care was taken to preserve the historical townscape of the area, which includes the Wittelsbach Square with its famous Palais built in 1825 by Leo von Klenze.

Through their publicly accessible ground floor, the new Siemens headquarters creates a seamless connection between the old city and the “Munich Art District”; making a space for restaurants, cafes and exhibitions within its open courtyards available. The façades surrounding these open spaces are slightly tilted in order to provide sufficient daylight into the yards and the offices above.

One of the most important features of the design by Henning Larsen Architects is its approach to the highest international standards of sustainability, environmental friendliness and energy efficiency — for the certification LEED platinum (“Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”).

When Architecture meets Art

Arriving at the new Siemens headquarters, visitors will be greeted by a 10 metre high sculpture called “The Wings”, created by the architect and artist Daniel Libeskind. In the entrance area (foyer) of the building is the impressive sight of the bronze sculpture “Schwesterngruppe” (Group of Sisters) created by the German artist Georg Baselitz. With those two artworks the spatial relationship of the Siemens headquarters to the adjacent “Art District” is marked.

Joining our architectural tour in Munich, you will walk with us through this most interesting and innovative quarter exploring the newly created open courtyards between the Old Town of Munich and the famous “Munich Art District”.

Text by: Claudia Neeser

www.henninglarsen.com/
http://libeskind.com/people/daniel-libeskind/
http://www.siemens.com/press/en/feature/2014/corporate/2014-07-siemens-palais.php