In the 1980s, the Munich Reinsurance concern (Munich Re) acquired an office development originally erected for the Siemens Nixdorf enterprise for information systems. The Munich Re wished to use the complex as its head office. The existing building, with its high window balustrades and non-openable mirrored fenestration, represented neither a modern working environment nor a suitable corporate image.
The use of the existing floor area was not efficient, and there was a lack of spatial variation. In addition, the extensive areas for data processing presented a structural problem. On the other hand, it would have been difficult to justify demolishing the building after only 25 years, not least because the structure was sound and the constructional grid lent itself to ongoing use with different divisions.
A decision was made, therefore, to subject the development to a general rehabilitation and extension. In 2008, a two-phase planning competition was held which was won by the Sauerbruch Hutton office. (Ramiro Forné, Stephanie Heese (Sauerbruch Hutton))
The use of the existing floor area was not efficient, and there was a lack of spatial variation. In addition, the extensive areas for data processing presented a structural problem. On the other hand, it would have been difficult to justify demolishing the building after only 25 years, not least because the structure was sound and the constructional grid lent itself to ongoing use with different divisions.
A decision was made, therefore, to subject the development to a general rehabilitation and extension. In 2008, a two-phase planning competition was held which was won by the Sauerbruch Hutton office. (Ramiro Forné, Stephanie Heese (Sauerbruch Hutton))