Integrating outdoor space into a sustainable work and living environment

Year: 2024
City: München, Germany
Landscape architect: Realgrün Landschaftsarchitekten
Application: Corporate, Neighbourhoods

In the Giesing district of Munich, the Weisses Quartier is being developed as a pioneering office location that combines preservation of existing structures, ecological quality and contemporary working environments. The comprehensive revitalisation of the former Siemens site follows the highest sustainability standards and creates an environment that connects architecture, nature and quality of stay.

Meeting places with durable urban furniture

The previously heavily sealed outdoor areas of the Weisses Quartier have been transformed into diverse zones of use – from green courtyards and pathways to open areas for staying. To make these spaces attractive for users, the planning team at realgrün Landscape Architects selected Vestre furniture from various collections: reclining benches from the BLOC series create inviting seating landscapes, while generous tables and benches from the same collection invite people to come together. The linear BLOC design integrates harmoniously into the clearly structured, iconic architecture. The numerous mobile bistro tables and chairs from the APRIL Go series enable spontaneous use scenarios and flexibility for the on-site gastronomy. The minimalist round bollards from the URBAN series structure traffic areas and contribute to safe orientation on the site.

Color accents in dialogue with the architecture

The team at realgrün Landscape Architects interpreted the characteristic white of the buildings designed by star architect Richard Meier as a calm stage for targeted color accents in the outdoor space. The BLOC ensembles as well as the tables and chairs from the APRIL Go series set deliberately strong contrasts in traffic yellow (RAL 1023), reinforcing the idea of a lively, identity-forming campus. Complementary round planters from the APRIL Go series in traffic white form a homage to the radiant façade of the striking building. Waste bins from the BLOC series in traffic yellow as well as in carmine red (RAL 3002) complement the balanced color concept. The different tones are coordinated with the various sub-areas of the site.

Open space design focused on biodiversity and climate resilience

Together with extensive planting measures – including more than 9,000 perennials and shrubs as well as extensive green roofs – the installed furniture contributes to the quality of stay and usability of the open spaces. It creates places for breaks, interaction, and recreation, complementing the overall ecological concept focused on unsealing, microclimate improvement, and the promotion of biodiversity. “Whether courtyard, neighborhood square, or roofs: the landscape architectural design of the Weisses Quartier turns every area into a place for staying and encounter for people and animals,” says Wolf D. Auch, Managing Partner of the landscape architecture firm realgrün Landscape Architects in Munich.

A sustainable overall concept

The consistent focus on sustainability – from photovoltaics and energy-optimized systems to LEED Platinum certification – makes the quarter a resilient location for the long term.The revitalization demonstrates how high-quality outdoor furniture becomes part of a holistic ESG-oriented project development. Durable materials, responsible production, and a clear design language make Vestre’s urban furniture an integral part of the site’s new identity – and a contribution to future-oriented urban working environments.