Munich BMW Building : Architecture Information

BMW Welt - Event and Delivery Center, Munich 2007 Architects: Coop Himmelb(l)au Architecture competition winner: 2001 Information + images from BMW Dec 2007: The BMW Welt : A Place for Communication Opening the BMW Welt on 20 October 2007, BMW is setting a new milestone in Munich, at the same time creating a venue for dialogue and unforgettable moments. “We see the BMW Welt as an outstanding achievement in presenting the world of BMW here in Munich to visitors and guests from all four corners of the globe. In the immediate vicinity of the first BMW Plant, the BMW Museum and our Group Headquarters we not only proudly present our passion for the automobile and its production, but also offer a deeper insight into the world of BMW, our philosophy, our past and future. With this unique delivery of cars to the customer, this unique portfolio of cars and motorcycles, with these exhibits all about technology and design, with the latest exhibitions on specific themes and highlights, as well as out­standing gourmet and catering services, and lots more, we are looking forward to welcoming some 850,000 visitors to the BMW Welt each year”, states Dr Norbert Reithofer on the occasion of the Grand Opening of the BMW Welt. As a building and an institution, the BMW Welt is a significant interface between the Company, the brand, the products, and the surrounding world. This is indeed the only place able to offer an overall, all-round experience of the past, present and future of the Company, the brand, and the wide range of BMW Products. Precisely this comprehensive perspective clearly bears out the spirit of authenticity and continuity in Munich, the history of the Company, and the most advanced production facilities and technologies used by BMW. The BMW Welt, therefore, brings together the social commitment, the sense of responsibility, and the clear pledge of the BMW Group to the world we live in. Through its progressive architecture, the BMW Welt is truly a new milestone in Munich. The absolute highlight, of course, is the individualised, highly personal delivery of cars to their new owners. Each year BMW hands over some 45,000 new cars to owners from all over the world picking up their vehicles in Munich, and approximately 850,000 visitors come to see and enjoy BMW’s facilities. Apart from the exclusive presentation of all car lines and motorcycles, multi-media shows and exhibits offer a clear insight into BMW research, development, design, and production, providing the opportunity to ex­perience the BMW brand and the Company from virtually every perspective. A further point is that the BMW Welt features its own Events Forum equipped with the most advanced technology for events of all kinds – this will be the venue for concerts, exhibitions, conferences and live transmissions, as well as receptions and seminars. The range of catering and dining services is highly versatile, with no less than three restaurants plus the Coffee Bar at the BMW Welt, just as the range of shops meets all kinds of requirements. The Junior Campus, a special, independent encounter area based on the latest scientific findings in child and youth studies, caters ideally for children between 7 and 13 as well as school-children from grades 2–7. Indeed, this is where children and young people are able to discover “mobility with all their senses” in a truly playful manner. The BMW Museum : A Direct Experience of History The BMW Museum attracting an average of 200,000 visitors a year was built next door to the BMW Building in 1973. The concept of the new BMW Museum opening in spring 2008 and offering five times the former exhibition area focuses on the fascinating thrill of the BMW brand borne out by dynamism, sportiness, and passion. More than 100 original exhibits, new presentation technologies, long-term and constantly changing exhibitions, as well as new media create a direct link to our contemporary world, the history of transport, industry and society, as well as art and culture. A central path through the Museum guides visitors through time and space, presenting a wide range of overriding issues and individual highlights. And last but not least, a multitude of different perspectives, surprising insights and outlooks, as well as the all-round focus of the exhibitions presented strength­ens the dramatic qualities of the Museum. The BMW Plant : Passion and Technology BMW Munich Plant is the original BMW Group Plant, combining the highest level of engineering and human innovation with genuine passion for the brand. Forming part of the BMW Group’s global production network, BMW Munich Plant builds more than 800 BMW 3 Series (Touring and Saloon models) as well as more than 1,250 power units (straight-six, eight-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, high-performance M-engines for the M3, M5, and M6, as well as twelve-cylinder gasoline and hydrogen engines) a day. BMW Munich Plant employs some 9,000 associates from more than 50 countries the world over, among them approximately 700 apprentices. Last but certainly not least, BMW Munich Plant incorporates all technologies in automobile production: a Press Shop, Bodyshop, Paintshop; Engine Production and Assembly, as well as a Toolmaking Shop, the Production of Equipment and Seats, and a Laboratory. BMW Munich Plant is part of the BMW Group’s worldwide production net­work with no less than 23 plants in 12 countries and therefore serves as a “window to the world of BMW production” in the context of the BMW Welt, individualised guided tours offering a unique and authentic insight into automobile production.