The Sportarena Olympiapark Munich SAP Garden, designed by Danish architectural firm 3XN, stands as a testament to innovative design and community integration. Completed in 2024, this multifunctional arena serves as the new home for the EHC Red Bull Munich ice hockey team and the Bayern Munich basketball team. Situated in Munich’s historic Olympiapark, the arena pays homage to the site’s legacy while introducing a contemporary architectural language.
The arena’s design is characterised by its oval, asymmetrical form, which seamlessly integrates with the undulating landscape of the park. The green roof, planted with meadow grasses mirroring those of the park, further blurs the lines between built environment and natural surroundings. This thoughtful integration ensures that the SAP Garden complements the existing architectural ensemble, including the iconic Olympic Stadium designed by Frei Otto and Günter Behnisch.
A distinctive feature of the SAP Garden is its dynamic façade, composed of 260 vertical pilaster strips that ascend to accentuate the glass-panelled entrances. Each strip boasts unique geometry, with the tallest reaching over 18 metres and weighing a metric ton. This design imparts a sense of movement and vitality to the structure, inviting visitors and reflecting the energy of the sports events held within.
The arena’s interior is designed with versatility in mind. It boasts a seating capacity of 10,796 for ice hockey and 11,500 for basketball, facilitated by an innovative grandstand system that adjusts to the specific requirements of each sport. Beyond the main arena, the complex includes three additional ice rinks, concealed beneath an artificial hill, which serve as training facilities and are accessible to the public, schools, and sports clubs year-round. This commitment to community engagement underscores the arena’s role as a hub for grassroots sports development.
The SAP Garden is not merely a sports venue; it is a vibrant community space. The complex features three levels of VIP areas, merchandise shops, a large restaurant, a gaming room, offices, conference rooms, a parking garage, and a public rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the park and cityscape. This array of amenities ensures that the arena remains a focal point for both sports enthusiasts and the general public, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
The collaboration between 3XN and local architect CL MAP, along with landscape architects Latz + Partner, has resulted in a design that respects the historical significance of the Olympiapark while introducing a modern, functional space for contemporary sports and community activities. The SAP Garden stands as a beacon of architectural innovation, community engagement, and sporting excellence, embodying the spirit of Munich’s Olympic legacy.
In essence, the Sportarena Olympiapark Munich SAP Garden is a harmonious blend of form, function, and context. Its design philosophy, rooted in the principles of organic architecture, ensures that the arena is not only a state-of-the-art sports facility but also a cherished public space that contributes to the cultural and social fabric of Munich.
The opening of the SAP Garden marks a new era for sports in Munich, providing a world-class venue that caters to professional athletes and the local community alike. Its design and functionality set a new benchmark for sports architecture, demonstrating how modern facilities can be integrated into historic settings without compromising on innovation or community values.
Through its thoughtful design and community-focused approach, the SAP Garden exemplifies how architecture can serve as a catalyst for social interaction, cultural expression, and sporting excellence. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Olympiapark and the forward-thinking vision of its creators.
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