BMW Welt, Munich, Germany

BMW Welt, is a multi-functional customer experience and exhibition facility of the BMW Group, located in Munich, Germany. In direct proximity to the BMW Headquarters, it is designed to: present the current products of BMW; be a distribution center for BMW cars; and offer an event forum and a conference center.

The facility was constructed from August 2003 through Summer 2007. Designed with an 800 KWatt solar plant on its roof, "the building does not have the boredom of a hall, it is not only a temple, but also a market place and a communication center and meeting place for knowledge transfer", said architect Prix at the opening ceremony.

Architect : Coop Himmelb(l)au

BMW Headquarters, Munich, Germany

BMW Headquarters is a Munich landmark, which has been serving as world headquarters for the Bavarian automaker for over 30 years. The building was declared historical in 1999. An extensive remodel commenced in 2004 and was completed in 2006.

The Tower was built between 1968 and 1972 and was ready just in time for 1972 Summer Olympics. Its inauguration followed on 18 May 1973. The building stands 101 m (roughly 331 feet) tall, is located in direct proximity of the Olympic Village and is often mentioned as one of the most notable examples of architecture in Munich. The large cathedral exterior is supposed to mimic the shape of a tire in a race car, with the garage representing the cylinder head.

The main tower consists of four vertical cylinders standing next to and across from each other. Each cylinder is divided horizontally in its center by a mold in the facade. Notably, these cylinders do not stand on the ground, they are suspended on a central support tower. During the construction, individual floors were assembled on the ground and then elevated. The tower has a diameter of 52.30 meters (roughly 171 feet). The building has 22 occupied floors, two of which are basements and 18 serve as office space. Millions of dollars have been spent on the facility due to high demand in progression.

Architect : Karl Schwanzer

Aachen Cathedral, Germany

Located in Aachen, Germany.
Construction of this Palatine chapel, with its octagonal basilica and cupola, began between 790 and 800 under the Emperor Charlemagne. Originally inspired by eastern churches of the Roman Empire, splendid facings were added in the Middle Ages.