Steidle Architekten is building the Munich Urban Colab in the creative quarter. The renowned Munich-based architectural firm won the competition for the architecture of the new start-up center, sponsored by UnternehmerTUM and the City of Munich.
Munich's new innovation and start-up center with a focus on Smart City Solutions is to be built in the creative quarter by 2020 and will cover over 11,000 square meters.
"UnternehmerTUM and the City of Munich are pursuing high social and international standards with this construction project. We want to be a global leader in the development of innovative solutions for the city of the future,"
says Susanne Klatten, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of UnternehmerTUM.
Focus is on Smart City solutions
In the Munich Urban Colab is intended to bring together startups, established companies, creatives and scientists from various industries and disciplines to work together on smart city solutions under one roof.
"Munich needs innovative companies that will work with us to develop solutions for the city of the future. Startups need a place in the city center where they can network with all stakeholders and receive comprehensive advice. The Munich Urban Colab offers the perfect space for this and will take Munich's startup landscape a major step forward. We're already looking forward to the opening!"
says Mayor Josef Schmid.
Architecture supports the emergence of innovations
The winning design by Steidle Architects clearly best met the competition's requirements: It is both atmospheric and functional, according to the press release from UnternehmerTUM. The building offers a high degree of transparency and plenty of open space—ideal conditions for supporting the emergence of innovations. The bright and open spatial structure is intended to encourage communication. The restaurant and winter gardens are intended to promote exchange between the participants in the Munich Urban Colab—and at the same time, interaction with the creatives and the neighborhood. The award-winning design for the Munich Urban Colab also fits harmoniously into the urban development of the established and vibrant district with its public park and monuments, according to the statement from UnternehmerTUM and the City of Munich.
Industrial architecture interpreted in a modern way
The architecture is deliberately based on classic industrial buildings.
“The building cites the supply office of the brothers Wassili and Hans Luckhardt, which was demolished in the late 1980s but is, in our view, worthy of preservation,”
says Johann Spengler by Steidle Architects.
Despite its historical appeal, the building meets current standards thanks to its modern and sustainable construction. In addition to office and seminar rooms and a prototype workshop, the Munich Urban Colab will also feature an event space for events and exhibitions. A café, two winter gardens, and a sports and fitness room will provide a balance to work and further connect the participants.
State capital provides land — designs exhibited
To find the best possible architecture for the Munich Urban Colab, UnternehmerTUM and the City of Munich decided to launch a competition. Architects and construction companies from across Europe were invited to participate through a general contractor tendering process. Eight were selected from a total of 18 applicants. Of these eight, a jury of experts from politics and architecture, chaired by Professor Thomas Jocher, clearly chose the design by Steidle Architekten and Hochtief.
The City of Munich is providing the land on a long-term lease. UnternehmerTUM will cover the costs of construction and operation of the new building. All designs for the new innovation center will be on display at the City of Munich's Referat für Arbeit und Wirtschaft building at Herzog-Wilhelm-Straße 15 until June 29, 2018.
