Following an invitation-only international competition launched by an important bank institution - with the participation of Sauerbruch Hutton (winners), OMA, allmannwappner, BIG, HENN, Henning Larsen, kadawittfeldarchitektur and Ingenhoven Architects – CZA and WEST8 placed third in presenting their proposal for the Haidenauplatz competition in Munich.
LOCATION
Germany, Munich
STATUS
Closed competition, 3rd Prize
YEAR
2023
CLIENT
HypoVereinsbank
CATEGORY
Offices & Headquarters
The project aimed to revitalize the disused railway area between Haidenauplatz and Leuchtenbergring and the design of the new HypoVereinsbank headquarters. It had the ambition to become a landmark for the community expected to enliven it every day.
The district Haidenauplatz was envisioned as a new icon in the field of livable and climate-friendly cities. The proposed building of the HQ2 of the HypoVereinsbank aspired to be a sustainable landmark in Munich’s city silhouette, uniting healthy working environments, climate-friendly construction, the sponge city principle, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and innovative building technology in a pleasing aesthetic manner.
HypoVereinsbank HQ2: a green landmark and a welcoming and inclusive work environment
The core of the urban design where the building rises is an integrative sequence of public spaces consisting of Haidenauplatz, Haidenaupromenade and Leuchtenbergplatz. The urban spaces blend seamlessly into their surroundings and ensure efficient, low-mobility connections for pedestrians and cyclists.
The shape and dimensions of the proposal have been carefully studied in order to scrupulously respond to the given program and to optimize the internal relationships between the different parts.
The building’s stepped profile responds to the different realities of the context on the west side, with the new green square, and the east side, facing one of Munich’s main transport hubs, seen by thousands of citizens every day.
View from the road axis. Drawing by Cino Zucchi
The complex geometry of the west edge creates a convincing soft transition between the new square and the spacious double-height interior on the north-east side. The expansive edge towards the plaza – which fully satisfies the brief’s requirements for unobstructed views along the north-west axis – helps increase the visibility of the new headquarters from the plaza.
The gently sloping profile of the new plaza, articulated by the semi-circular ‘waves’ emanating from the ground floor, guides the pedestrians flows to and from the new bridge over the rail tracks, creating a quieter area around the south-west edge of the building.
The ground floor of the building combines a great feeling of openness to the public and beautiful views of the new square, balancing a clear management of the flows of the different groups of people who visit and work in the building on a daily basis with the need to accommodate a number of service and supporting areas.
Urbanity and nature: A new urban landscape in dialogue with different contexts
The design of urban spaces is focused on integrating green components such as trees, parks, and protected biotopes for biodiversity. This approach forms a clear link between existing cityscape and new public spaces, offering diverse usage possibilities. The green belt along the railway line serves as a buffer between new buildings and trains, and also protects urban biodiversity. The HypoVereinsbank headquarters, with its large, green terraces, exemplifies this sustainable approach.
The urban fabric, as described in the master plan, aims to create a seamless connection between green spaces and public squares, symbolizing the balance between individual rights and communal interests. The proposed “Haidenaupromenade” square in the project’s center is planned to be a lively communal space, with new services and activities, connecting various streets and fitting harmoniously into the existing cityscape.
Environmental and functional scheme
Environmental sustainability: Sustainable principle on the scale of the master plan
The project aimed to implement an integrated planning strategy, focusing on sustainable mobility, community spaces, and green areas.
The new headquarters was designed with the goal to minimize CO2 emissions throughout the building’s lifecycle and ensure comfortable conditions. The design strategy aspired to incorporate natural light, self-shading, and cross-ventilation to create a pleasant microclimate, while optimizing the use of renewable energy sources. The plan also included the collection of rainwater for irrigation and the creation of water-efficient facilities.
Additionally, the design intended to comply with international sustainability protocols like LEED and WELL, targeting residents and the local community’s well-being.
