 Both well known in the professional world as exponents of Deconstructivism, they drafted a project which sets a standard for the architecture of the century lying before us. The Studio is part of a movement, also known as “Austrian Phenomenon”, whose representatives, in the 70's 60's, set provocative architecture in relationship with social problems. In the words of Professor Wolf Prix, “an architecture featuring not only open spaces but also open minds”.
This to understand the ideas from which the BMW-World project sprouted. A place meant as a factory outlet, but one where organize events and conventions, too.
The building complex, approx. 130m broad, 180m wide and 28m high, doesn’t reveal itself spontaneously neither to the technically experienced, nor to the visually talented visitors. In fact, 73,000 sqm, roughly 60% of the gross total area, are under the road level. However, significant are the wavy shaped roof edge and the glazed double cone clinging at the entrance; completely in the sense of corporate identity.
 The most spectacular construction unit of the BMW-World is without doubt the double cone. Its futuristic appearance comes from the axis inclination and the torsion of the lateral surfaces. With the right lighting, it almost looks like an asymmetric clepsydra. The lower cone diameter is 35m long. The structure then narrows into a throttling with an 18m diameter, at about 12m high.
The double cone enlarges again above, to a 44 m diameter where it ends with a ring-like beam through which connects to the roof, that here is funnel shaped. The lateral surface of the double cone measures about 2839 sqm and has a structure consisting of triangular spaces made by steel profiles, differing one from another. The steel profiles, hollow inside, are heated by a Gartner façade system. Indeed, water is the same mean used to heat them in the winter and cool in the summer, while it is useless to look at the façade searching for signs unveiling the presence of radiators. The hollow profiles even host the fire extinguishing system and lighting wires.
 The lower cone is covered with tempered glass with 8 mm thickness, 16 mm interstice and with semi-tempered glass. The upper cone glass sheets have the same dimensions; anyway, security laminated glasses have been used here, obliging to the regulations in the field. A protection from solar beams made of drilled stainless steel panes, have been installed in front of some glass walls of the double cone, at a distance of 600 mm. They complete the triangular spaces not glazed. The remaining part of the glass wall making the façade, is either directly framed on the beams, or hinged to the clamps. This way, external glass surfaces have low levels of thermal dispersion and maintain temperatures within widely acceptable levels.
Total integration with renewable energetic sources is a no brainer choice for an architecture projected to the future. A photovoltaic system takes about 6.300 sqm of the total 16.500 sqm roof surface and, because of its curved shape, a special substructure integrating into the rooftop the single separated modular panes, has been created.
The external aspect of the BMW-World looks as exceptional to the casual observer as extraordinary is its interior. It is a “tri-dimensional passage” where all events-dedicated areas look exclusives. Car delivery, so far a profane moment, becomes a lasting experience, almost mystic. The customers have to emotionally identify with the automobile brand – be advertising vehicles. Those who get a car and the visitors have the chance to live firsthand the world of the “Bavarian Motor Artwork” and witness research, development, design, production and technology of the BMW brand and be fascinated.
At the “Technology Atelier”, visitors can enjoy a preview of the automotive future, with insights on coming technical developments, like low environmental impact engines (i.e. hydrogen or electrical).
“Junior Campus” is a two floored area of the BMW-World, conceived with particular regards of children and young, where it is possible to “play” with the car. Here, without admonishing, technology becomes experience and knowledge is spread around, even giving advices to address future professional choices.
A significant part of this center is the “BMW-World Forum”, a multipurpose area dedicated to events, from the hall meant for conferences or new products presentations to exclusive banquets. Maximum flexibility and adaptability is the mantra. This area is rounded up with many food and beverages booths with either inner or outer terraces, able to satisfy any request: from a quick bite at a snack bar to the relaxed dinner at a restaurant.
Visiting Munich will be even more appealing after the opening of the new BMW-World and the renovation of the old BMW-Museum...and not just for the hard core fans of the BMW brand.
At a glance:
Owner: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Munich
Architect and master planning: Coop Himmelb(l)au, Prix & Swiczinsky & Dreibholz ZT GmbH, Wien
Construction supervisor: Schmidt Stumpf Frühauf and Partner, Munich
Facade consultation: Emmer Pfenninger Partner AG, Munich Stone Switzerland
max. building length: approx. 180 m
max. building width: approx. 130 m
min. building width: approx. 50 m
min. building height: approx. 28 m
Total building glass facade: approx. 73.000 sqm = 100%
above ground: approx. 28.500 sqm = 40%
below ground: approx. 44.500 sqm = 60%
Number of levels „Projectiles“: 7
Escavation: Surface Area approx. 15.579 sqm,
210 m long, 40–120 m broad, 14 m deep
Roof Area: 16.500 sqm
Lateral surface of the double cone: 2839 sqm
Original article written by Eberhard Wendler.
Article published by permission of
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