Munich Concert Hall

Munich, Germany

Project details
Client

Freistaat Bayern, vertreten durch Staatliches Bauamt München

Architect

Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekten

Collaborator

Stage engineering: Bühnenplanung Walter Kottke Ingenieure GmbH, Project manager: Drees & Sommer

Duration

2018-2028

Services provided by Buro Happold

Building Services Engineering (MEP)

Munich’s new signature Concert Hall will be located in the Werksviertel, near Ostbahnhof train station. The area is developing into a vibrant neighbourhood incorporating new apartments, retail outlets and recruitment opportunities, with the purpose built venue positioned at the heart of this flourishing quarter.

The building program includes auditorium spaces of approximately 9,500m2 and has three performance spaces including a large concert venue with seating for 1,800 people and a more intimate auditorium for an audience of up to 600 that will provide ideal acoustic conditions. An additional space is also planned with seating for 200 people. The total building area is 60,000m2.

There will also be a musical education area, a space for the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich, restaurant, café, retail spaces and offices. An underground garage below the structure will contain a delivery/service level and three levels of parking spaces.

Rising to 45 metres in height, the structure will feature steeply inclined glass facades helping to achieve openness, brightness and afford glimpses at the activity within.

Buro Happold has been commissioned as the building services engineer, specifically electrical power engineering, fire, communication systems, lighting and lift planning, working in collaboration with the architect and other specialist building designers.

Integration of the fire and communications systems within the architecture is a key design issue, with the need to support the aesthetic approach requiring high levels of coordination with the architectural finishes.

Interior view of the new Concert Hall in Munich
Continuing Munich’s long tradition as a center of music, the new Concert Hall will offer an inclusive, multifaceted musical experience. Image: Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekten

Challenge

Our experts were challenged with designing a reliable, low-energy ELT engineering strategy that supports the exceptional interior design and the highest acoustic standards.

Solution

Our expert advice helped ensure the engineering design includes proposals for the new electrical substation, standby power and essential power supplies throughout the project, meeting very high standards of resilience and security.

Facade-integrated Photovoltaic Panels will be incorporated within the building facades to provide on-site power generation, as part of the building energy concept.

The design of the fire detection and alarm systems has been developed to meet the very specific fire design criteria, including the use of early warning smoke sample systems, fully integrated within the architecture to meet the minimalistic design requirements.

The public address and voice alarm systems have been designed to meet the highest possible acoustic demands within the various internal spaces, and are fully integrated within the architecture.

Smart Building Technology has been integrated into the building infrastructure to provide future flexibility.

Exterior view of the new Concert Hall in Munich
Image: Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekten

Value

The Munich Concert Hall continues a great tradition for Munich as an art and musical capital. Buro Happold’s experienced advice is critical in realising the client’s vision for an inclusive and sonically outstanding venue.