“Die Macherei” negotiates open space qualities in a new urban density. Diversity, vividness and precise identities are the answer to the high pressure of limited space. High functional constraints, large buildings and an almost complete underlying with a two-storey underground car park severely limit the design of the open space. The few open spaces are used for access, delivery, outside gastronomy, and as recreation areas at the same time. In this cramped space, every square meter has to take on at least three functions. With this, a dense commercial quarter has emerged on Berg-am-Laim Strasse in Munich with the Macherei.

Open Space as a link

The shape of the open space, which is interlocked like a bayonet, defines the four building sites. The access lanes connect to the surrounding streets. A green corridor on the east forms an important link between the Echardinger green strip in the south and the recreational development Baumkirchen-Mitte in the north.

A square in green

The “Macherei’s” heart is a centrally located, versatile square, that lies in the middle of the quarter like a green cushion. The topographical design of the surface structures the space in small parts and allows the planting of large trees. That causes, that the square addresses to the surrounding streets. The square is built with a continuous surface out of colour asphalt with varying textures. It lies in the quarter like a green patterned cloth.

Fancy Pavement

The buildings` front zones structure Macherei`s open space. Different materials are assigned to different uses of the ground level and space types. The large, compact buildings are sitting in the quarter like on carpets. The structures’ variety at the floor level creates different atmospheres in the open space and a point of reference to human scale on ground level. The variety of surfaces creates additional lounges with a unique atmosphere.

The Rooftop

The open space on the base level is complemented by a vivid, versatile, and green roof area. Sports facilities, panoramic terraces, urban gardening areas, outdoor work areas: The roof area of the Macherei reflects the broad need for different leisure and activity options in modern work life.

Project information

Landscape Architecture: Studio Vulkan Landschaftsarchitektur

Project Website: Die Macherei

Other designers involved in the design of landscape: holger meyer architektur, HWKN Architecture DPC, OSA Ochs Schmidhuber Architekten, m3 Bauprojektmanagement GmbH, OSA Ochs Schmidhuber Architekten
Year Built: 2022