Sustainable Reconstruction Of Siemens Headquarters Won By Henning Larsen
Henning Larsen Architects win the architecture competition for the rebuilding of Siemens' corporate headquarters in Munich. Source: http://siemens.com
Henning Larsen Architects of Copenhagen, Denmark were trusted (by the Munich City Council) with upgrading Siemens‘ Munich Headquaters after winning the architecture competition and beating eleven other proposals by established firms with an heavy majority. A jury of 22 comprised of Siemens President and CEO Peter Löscher, Siemens Managing Board members Brigitte Ederer and Joe Kaeser, Munich Mayor Christian Ude, the head of Munich’s Department of Urban Planning Elisabeth Merk, reps of the Munich City Council and the District Committee for central Munich, and other architectural, urban planning and landscape conservation experts.
Source: http://e-architect.co.uk
The firm won due to its detailed approach to sustainable urban development which promises to adopt the world’s highest standards for sustainability. It will be equipped with Siemens’ most innovative products from its Environmental Portfolio, such as energy efficient lighting and photovolatic panels. The existing structures on the site will be largely replaced except for the newly renovated Ludwig Ferdinand Palace (above), an example of neo-classical architecture designed by Leo von Klenze in the nineteenth century, which will remain. The project, expected to begin construction in the fall of 2012 and be completed by the end of 2015, will also contribute to Munich’s inner city sustainable development. Peter Löscher said of the project:
“We’re creating a future-oriented symbol of sustainability that will set the standard for advanced urban architecture and innovative, efficient building technology – for the benefit of our employees and the citizens of Munich.” [http://finchannel.com]
A Model of the projected Siemens headquarters. Source: http://siemens.com
The brightly lit modern interior workspace which offers approximately 1,200 emplyees a state-of-the-art open-plan environment will also feature spacious meetings and conference rooms, a restaurant and rooms for public events. The site will be accessible to pedestrians as well who will be able to explore its lush green courtyards, filled with cafés and bistros via a series of walkways, and access Munich’s historic cultural centre to which the site connects. Munich Mayor Christian Ude boasts:
“Siemens’ clear commitment to Munich strengthens our city as a location for the future. The newly designed corporate campus will be a showpiece of sustainable and responsible urban development that will preserve Wittelsbacherplatz, enliven the Oskar-von-Miller-Ring, chime with the city structure, enhance the attractiveness of our city center and make Munich even greener.”
Siemens plans to implement the project with complete transparency from beginning to end, giving employees residents and the general public in-depth and regular details of progress. And if your especially keen, check out the public exhibition, held between July 28 and September 30, 2011 at the Siemens Forum in Munich, where you can see all twelve designs submitted to the competition for yourself.
Overhead Graphic projection of the Siemens HQ. Source: http://siemens.com
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