Pierce Allston_BMW Welt

Designer : Coop Himmelb(I)au Location : Munich, Germany

Type : Multi-use Exhibition Center for BMW

Construction: 2003-2007 Site Area: 25,000 sqm Floor Area: 16,500 sqm

Built-Up Area: 73,000 sqm bmw.com Architect (Wolf Prix) was inspired by the Acropolis in Athens: "It is a kind of covered plaza where things can happen not necessarily connected to building a car."  The design is an experiment of fluid spatial encounters and the seamless integration of the floating cloud-roof. Inside the exhibition center, contains displays of past and current BMW models, as well as a showcase of concept cars that show off emerging car technology.  Additionally, the center houses two restaurants, a bistro, a cafe-bar, a 800 person auditorium, conference rooms, and other business related rooms. The architecture of the BMW Welt attempts to simulate the high-end technology and feeling of endless opportunities made possible by not just technology, but also BMW themselves. Concept Sketch e-architect.co.uk "Ever since Le Corbusier liberated the roof of the Unité as a landscape from its singular significance and function as a mere protective element, and ever since Oscar Niemeyer completed the design of his single-family dwelling Casa das Canoas near Rio de Janeiro, we have understood that the roof of a building need not necessarily follow its basic layout and structure. Rather, the "roof" has taken on a new meaning, new significance in modern architecture." -Wolf Prix archdaily.com The irregular structure was derived from a Mayan created base of triangular steel girders that manage to create the desired curved surfaces for the project, and also form the support structure due to the triangular geometry. The 16,500 sqm floating roof is held up by only 11 points along the entire floor-area. e-architect.com.uk  Anchored by the 28m high and max 45m wide Double-Cone, constructed of semitransparent glass and a corrugated steel roof and one ending in a double twist in the form of the cone, connects the seemingly 'floating' roof of the building.  The 16,500 sqm of solar photo voltaic panels and integrated design systems, such as the active facade which nets solar energy and helps moderate conditioned air and natural ventilation, helps with reducing energy by an estimated 30%.  The 3,660 solar modules produce a minimum power capacity 824kWp (kilowatt-peak). dezeen.com The building consists of both public spaces, as well as busniess oriented offices and showroom floors. The publically accessible areas are connected by a bridge, that is hung from the ceiling to reduce the amount of columns needed, freeing up the showroom floor below. In addition to the floating bridge, special attention was paid to the the networking of the underground spaces, which make up 60% of the overall built-up floor area.  "This is indeed the only place able to offer an overall, all-round experience of the past, present and future of the Company, the brand, and the wide range of BMW Products." -Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Board of Management. dezeen.com Sources: http://www.e-architect.co.uk/munich/bmw-welt ; http://inhabitat.com/bmw-welt-solar-powered-masterpiece-in-munich/ ; https://en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/BMW_Welt#Description ; http://www.arcspace.com/features/coop-himmelblau/bmw-welt/ ; http://www.archdaily.com/29664/bmw-welt-coop-himmelblau