schützenstrasse development proposal by david chipperfield architects

david chipperfield architects wins competition for schützenstrasse development in munich

david chipperfield architects has won the competition for the mixed-use schützenstrasse development in the heart of munich. the jury, chaired by professor ludwig wappner from KIT university, selected the office’s design — developed in collaboration with landscape architecture firm atelier LOIDL — as the winner from eleven international entries.

overall, the proposal echoes the medieval, small-scale urban structure of its surroundings and the rational, representative scale of the former imperial capital, combining both principles into a new, metropolitan architecture.

all renderings © filippo bolognese images

signa real estate germany will be in charge of building the schützenstrasse development complex between munich’s main railway station and the central karlsplatz square. the hope is to create, once completed, a lively, urban atmosphere through functional diversity and generous public green spaces.

a diverse public program complemented by incredibly rich and accessible greenery

david chipperfield architects (see more here), together with atelier LOIDL (see works here), envisioned the complex’s ground floor as a permeable, pillared hall with a visible, recycled concrete structure that connects the prielmayerstrasse and schützenstrasse streets via two passageways. on both those streets, arcades invite passersby to explore a diverse public program within the complex, including green spaces, seating areas, cultural facilities, shops, cafés, and restaurants.

crowning the ground floor are building volumes of varying scales that become increasingly smaller in size towards the top. in between these volumes, leafy terraces and an intensely vegetated, publicly accessible roofscape provide inviting outdoor spots on several levels. the offices, finally, sit on the upper floors as a timber hybrid construction, wrapped in a facade of green anodized aluminum profiles.

reflecting on his office’s win, david chipperfield says: ‘as architects, we are aware that the city depends on the quality of private building projects that give something back to the city. never has this been more important. my partners and our team are excited to work on this project that has the potential to create a strong public-social dimension that reinforces the quality, richness, and complexity of the city.‘