Controversially questioning the rigorous briefing requirements presented by BMW for the competition to refurbish the iconic building, dissolved the rigidity encapsulating previous solutions, thus enabling Boogertman + Partners to engage in creatively resolving the issues presented.
A Hans Hallen architectural classic, the BMW Head Office has been rejuvenated.
‘One can design a good building, but left in good hands, it can be better. It’s a good building. They improved it in many respects.’ Hans Hallen when visiting the refurbished building 2016.
The outer, modern dark brick façade of the building was retained, in stark contrast to the inner façade which was demolished to enable extension into the newly landscaped courtyard to create spatial energy, movement and amplify light. The transparency of this fully glazed façade, and the seamless indoor-outdoor flow was enhanced by the use of dynamic, solar tracking, fritted glass louvres.
BMW Head Ofice from above
Optimising the building envelope by the design of an adaptive interior space is facilitated by a number of carefully orchestrated interventions. The rigorous implementation of design concepts for green and sustainable building principles achieved the desired Green Star rating achievement – a 5* as built rating, with maximum points achieved in the Innovation and Energy categories.
The final product, a carefully engineered co-existence between the creative pursuit of reinventing a respected architectural icon, implementing an international corporate standard, fulfilling the needs of BMW (South Africa), creating a productive, pleasant working environment and extending the building’s lifespan by the implementation of sustainable, green building
principles.
Light, lines and simplicity represent the internationally recognised BMW brand – design, passion, technology, innovation and attention to detail.
Disclaimer: Any views expressed by individuals and organisations are their own and do not in any way represent the views of The Heritage Portal.