The Old Town of Munich preserves some classic beauties of its architecture. Little remains of its medieval past rather than the route of the old city and where their main entrances used to be. Today, the heart of the monumental city revives between university buildings, palaces and villas of the golden age. And between this net of historical architecture without pretense, we can find some examples of urban interventions in the better way to combine indoor and outdoor spaces.
One that catches my attention is the so-called "Fünf Höfe", creation of Herzog & de Meuron, Ivano Gianola and Hilmer & Sattler. This mixed-use commercial complex is inserted into the heart of Munich, embraced by a number of historic facades ranging from housing to the palace. Divided into two phases completed in 2001 and 2003 respectively, the Master Plan was conducted by Herzog & de Meuron.
The most interesting passage. Photography © Melissa Schumacher.
The entrances communicate with passages, a number of shops, restaurants, offices and housing. The interesting thing about this project is that one cannot imagine what is inside and even go unnoticed, especially in Prannerpassage access. I believe this is the most curious access since the transition of materials from the historic facade to modern interior. Also it runs a series of lights, textures and colors inspired by the nearby Residenz. And this is where the user is invited to meet inside a public space, covering different options and movement flow to the rest of the stores for people with big budgets or to small international restaurants.
Salvatorepassage or main area. Photography © Melissa Schumacher.
The main area Salvatorepassage changed its textures and colors; at this point you can see the different uses that give this mixed space. If you get a look up the roof, look a Tarzan in the jungle, you can find hanging vegetation. This was the work of German artist Tita Giese. To complete transparency and movement, the visitor may end in a landmark site that communicates open the work of Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. A large sphere that seems float. This metallic volume represents the global networks. Other prominent artists who play with materials and colors of the project are Rémy Zaug and ThomasRuff.
The floating sphere. Photography © Melissa Schumacher.
The success of this retail space, offices and housing is that it serves as a connection between the main downtown streets. In addition to the variety of local entertainment that is around. Although most are luxury stores is a pleasure for the pedestrian walk inside and then continue for the rest of the shopping streets that blend with the beauty of historic buildings. Pivotal connector, the Fünf Höfe serves as a reference point to reach the main square Marienplatz or the university quarter.
Access to offices in the complex of Fünf Höfe. Photography © Melissa Schumacher.
As an architectural element, I believe that fully respects the spirit of place and lifestyle of the city. In this regard I refer to Munich as a city with unpretentious beauty of its buildings and public spaces. The architecture is based on simplicity and concreteness. Overall most of the buildings of the city are not based on something spectacular or different, is sought beauty through the functionality of the spaces. In addition it’s complete harmony with the environment, perhaps inspired by the proximity of the Alps landscapes and majestic mountains. Maybe this part of German culture was an important element in the training that took the work of Mies Van der Rohe for said "less is more."
IN TREATMENT - METALOCUS.
DIRECTOR: JOSÉ JUAN BARBA. COORDINATION: INÉS LALUETA. ORGANIZATION: INÉS LALUETA, PEDRO NAVARRO. GUESTS SECOND SEASON: JOSÉ JUAN BARBA, JAVIER SANCHO, FRANCISCO PELAEZ, MICHAEL MORADIELLOS, MELISSA SCHUMACHER, VERÓNICA ROSERO, AINHOA MARTÍN.
