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Fünf Höfe

The FÜNF HÖFE CityQuartier saw the architectural renewal of a historic area in a surprising location – the heart of Munich. A free-standing building in the old town, previously closed to the public, was completely redesigned and remodelled by international architects Herzog & de Meuron, Ivano Gianola and Hilmer & Sattler, who created an ensemble that is a perfect mix of art and commerce. Herzog & de Meuron’s design was inspired by and reinterpreted the historic courtyards of the nearby Residence Palace. Contrasting with the covered shopping arcades, alternating open and covered spaces reinforce the presence of the outside world.

The arcades and courtyards offer space, transparency and rich variety: places that invite visitors not only to shop but also to unwind. The vaulted ceiling of Prannerpassage, for example, is covered with glass sequins that shimmer and sparkle, while shop windows project from the walls like glass display cases. In Salvatorpassage, which is bedecked with woven wire mesh, plants hang deep into the arcade. The space in between them allows daylight to filter through to the ground. By contrast, a glance up to the ceiling in Perusahof is rewarded with dazzling mirror effects.
Further variety can be found in Viscardihof, where an eight-tonne stainless steel sphere hovers overhead.

The colours of nature are a key design element of the FÜNF HÖFE CityQuartier. The changing seasons are reflected in the lush greenery of the arcades and courtyards, whose differing hues create a unique ambience as the months go by. Precisely because of the downtown location, nature’s play of colours is unexpected and always presents something new.