Architecture firm Populous was chosen to design a new multi-use, climate-neutral event arena in Munich, Germany. The structure aims to create a "compact, efficient, and visually stunning" venue that will be instantly recognizable and reflective of the character and culture of the Bavarian metropolitan area, serving as a new landmark. The 20,000 capacity venue draws upon Bavarian heritage through a support structure that pays homage to the lozenge shape used in the Bavarian state flag. Populous developed the design with general planners HENN from Munich and landscape architects Latz+Partner from Freising.
The winning design was selected after a multi-stage architecture competition by a jury chaired by Professor Markus Allmann. For the first time in Germany, the new event arena will be climate-neutral due to lifecycle-based planning to reduce the carbon footprint during construction, as well as climate-positive management of the operating phase. Several thousand photovoltaic (PV) solar panels will be installed on the roofs of the arena, car park, and hotel, complemented by the potential use of geothermal energy and district heating. This setup will ensure that the energy required to operate the arena can be generated and supplied on-site. The venue's sustainability strategy has been developed in close collaboration with the German Sustainable Building Council and will be measurable from the outset. The project is aiming for DGNB Gold certification, which would make Munich Arena the first concert arena in Germany to receive this recognition.
The arena's interior design takes into account the diverse demands of artists in terms of technology, stage shows, and productions, to provide unique concert and live experiences. The seating is arranged in a horseshoe shape (270 degrees), around the multifunctional stage, and is complemented with tailored acoustic elements to enhance the experience. To fully meet the requirements of concerts and live entertainment events, SWMUNICH is pursuing a concept that will set new quality benchmarks for external architecture and interior design, particularly in terms of acoustics, sightlines, equipment, and hospitality, as well as the important aspects of sustainability, transportation, and the environment.
The arena will be located on an entirely new green space next to LabCampus, the technology and innovation center at Munich Airport. The venue is set to enhance the cultural offering of the region, boosting tourism and the local economy. The design's facade is open towards the East, welcoming spectators into the building on two levels, then gradually closes and solidifies towards the western side.
The design for MUCcc Arena places people at its heart, delivering a unique and immersive visitor experience, as well as showcasing the very latest in sustainable design methods. The project will create a new cultural centre for Munich and the wider Bavarian region to rival the best live entertainment venues in the world. -- Declan Sharkey, Lead Architect for the project and Senior Principal at Populous
Bavaria-based SWMUNICH Real Estate GmbH will plan, build, and operate the multi-use concert and convention center. Munich Arena has also announced a long-term strategic partnership with Live Nation, the international live entertainment company. In recent months, Populous has unveiled designs for other several major projects, including a new 18,500-seat stadium in Venice, a new practice facility for the New York Liberty in Brooklyn, a dual-sport Women's Performance Center in Portland, and the Giuseppe Sinigaglia redevelopment project in Como, Italy.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on May 09, 2022, and was updated on May 22, 2025.
