Room for Maker Spaces

Architectural models

With its compact cubature, the office building, sensitively set in the Werksviertel district in the east of Munich, appears deliberately self-confident and strong in character. The model for the reddish-brown clinker brick facades with black steel profiles is quickly identified: the architecture of the 19th century, which enjoys great popularity due to its liveliness and atmospheric aesthetics in both residential and commercial buildings – think of old office buildings. Consequently, the carefully proportioned building attracts attention in the neighbourhood, which may well be in the interest of the tenants residing there.

Differentiated design language

For the architects, the differentiated design language offers the possibility of enhancing the floors close to the city centre as well as guaranteeing the greatest possible flexibility of use in general thanks to the rational structure. Thus, 44 monumental arches connect the lower two floors, followed by four more office floors with a rectangular window structure that guarantees natural lighting everywhere. Structurally, it is a reinforced concrete building and a facade made of a composite thermal insulation system with applied clinker brick slips.

The combination makes the difference

Due to the freely divisible interior spaces, rental units of 400 to 3,000 square metres per floor can be separated or combined for several different users on the four-wing standard floors. Maker Spaces are to be implemented, a practicable combination of classic offices and co-working zones on 1,500 square metres, which could include 3D printer zones or workshops, for example. The tilting effect of the building’s character upon entering is ingenious, as one changes from the historic clinker brick style to an interior of contemporary industrial architecture.

Little extras

The two-storey foyer with its imposing flight of steps and the laterally placed café bar encompasses almost the entire front. Its appearance corresponds to the task of a reception point for the entire user community as well as the distribution function. The staircase leads to the central raised garden on the first floor, which fills the inner courtyard. It offers all residents an exclusive open space. The roof was also equipped with garden areas that not only offer a penthouse ambience but also a panoramic view towards the Alps. Those who still want to get back down quickly can choose a 31-metre-long slide from the 4th floor instead of the lift.

What do you consider to be the supporting qualities of a good workplace? Where do these come to the fore in your project?

Oliv Architekten: In the architecture of the Mühldorfstra.e office building, the main focus was on the basic spatial qualities for a good workplace, such as sufficient natural light, fresh air supply and a good climate. Generous common areas in the building, such as the foyer with café bar, a green inner courtyard and rooftop gardens with outdoor kitchens add a lot of value for every user and represent a special feature.

Which functional aspects are decisive for you in the future development of the Workspaces? How is this reflected in your project?

In office construction, the basic structures are determined from the beginning of the design. With modern office buildings such as Mühldorfstra.e, flexibility is paramount in order to make future conversions possible. The spaces can be freely divided and interconnected. Changes of use, such as from office to residential, should ideally also be considered. A modern and easily upgradable building services infrastructure also contributes to sustainability.

Which material-related aspects are decisive for you in the future development of workspaces? How is this reflected in your project?

First and foremost, timeless, durable and pure materials. These simple premises of architecture and interior design were valid in the past and will also play a major role in the future in order to be able to use a building for as long as possible and to find pleasure in it. For the façade, for example, a classic design with clinker bricks was realised. The common areas in the M8 are kept very puristic: raw concrete, steel and, as a connection to the façade, white-washed clinker.