Extract from Siemens’ citation: “Henning Larsen’s winning design was selected for its comprehensive approach to sustainability – an approach that meets the highest standards for ecofriendliness and energy efficiency.”
The objective of the project is to exceed today’s standards for sustainable building, and the design is energy-efficient in itself. An example is the slightly sloping facades that take the daylight far into the building.
Since 1949, Siemens’ global headquarters has been situated in the centre of Munich, closely connected to the city. The winning project creates a number of new urban spaces and joins together the historic city centre and the modern museum quarter in Munich. Siemens’ new headquarters is an urban, recognisable composition of plazas, courtyards and alleys that will unfold a new, vibrant urban space in central Munich.
CEO Peter Löscher, Siemens, says in a press release: “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.”
The new headquarters consists of six rectangular, rounded volumes attached to a central vertical structure that connects the entire building complex. This structure creates six varied courtyards engaging in close dialogue with the city – thus generating a new urban space to be explored.
Design Director Louis Becker, Henning Larsen Architects: “Walking from the old city to the museum, Pinakothek der Moderne, you will have the opportunity to stroll through the new Siemens headquarters and take a break in one of the evocative, varied courtyards. The building is a contribution to the public realm of Munich.”
The construction of the new headquarters is scheduled to begin in autumn 2012. The building is expected to be completed by the end of 2015 and to be ready for occupation in 2016.