Populous Selected to Design Groundbreaking Arena
Architecture firm Populous has been selected as the lead architect for a climate-neutral event arena in Munich, Germany. The multi-use structure aims to create a “compact, efficient and visually stunning, venue that will become a modern icon for the Bavarian metropolitan area. The winning design was selected after a multi-stage architecture competition by a jury chaired by Professor Markus Allmann.
“The project will create a new cultural center for Munich and the wider Bavarian region to rival the best live entertainment venues in the world,” declared Declan Sharkey, Lead Architect for the project and Senior Principal at Populous.
Bavaria-based SWMUNICH Real Estate GmbH will plan, build, and operate the multi-use concert and convention center.
A Sustainable Landmark Drenched in the Culture of the Region
The design for the MUCcc Arena places people at its heart, balancing the visitor and performer experiences. The interior design, for instance, accommodates the diverse demand of artists to provide entirely unique concert and live experiences. A horseshoe shape defines the seating arrangements around the stage as custom acoustic elements further enhance the experience.
The 20,000 capacity event arena will be located on an entirely new green space near the Munich Airport and will mark a German first in its design. Through highly efficient operations and life-cycle based planning following a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals framework, the structure will be able to achieve a climate-neutral standing following certification by an internationally recognized sustainability system.
Solar panels applied to the roof and around the site, couple with opportunities for geothermal energy will ensure the energy for operating the arena will be entirely generated on site, making it independent from the grid.
SWMUNICH is also pursuing a new concept that will set several benchmarks for external architecture and interior design. Particularly, these elements will focus on acoustics, sightlines, equipment, hospitality, sustainability, transportation and the surrounding environment.