Starting point
Vibrant, creative and steeped in history: Werksviertel in eastern Munich is one of the city’s most exciting and diverse districts at present. The location offers ideal conditions for developing an exceptional property: with its identity-defining architecture on the former factory site of Optimol-Ölwerke, OPTINEO captures both history and the future.
Since the 1940s, the site on Friedenstraße had been home to globally successful companies such as Pfanni and Optimol-Ölwerke. After the production facilities were relocated, the area was transformed into a vibrant nightlife destination. For almost 20 years, Kunstpark-Ost, later Kultfabrik, and the Optimol site were considered Europe’s largest nightlife and cultural district. Today, Werksviertel encompasses the approximately 39-hectare site, where a new, modern, lively and sustainable district is being created. In addition to offices and restaurants, hotels and retail outlets will also find their place here. The new district also offers cultural life and attractions such as the Umadum Ferris wheel. The eventful history and the courage to embrace change are intended to remain tangible here in the future as well.
The Maltz family of owners was looking for a partner for the joint development of the former Optimol-Ölwerke factory site and chose WÖHR + BAUER. Working closely together, both partners will retain the property in their portfolios over the long term.
Concept
Concept
A trendy district for living, residing and working – the exciting architecture and contemporary mixed use of buildings and public spaces make Munich’s Werksviertel the district of the future. On the approximately 39-hectare site near Ostbahnhof, space is being created for a modern, diverse mix of uses: apartments, offices, a concert hall, hotel and dining options are complemented by well-planned social infrastructure and a wide range of leisure activities. The result is a meeting place for everyone, offering a high quality of stay and plenty of room for creative ideas.
The name of the building ensemble references the history of the site, where Optimol-Ölwerke once became the global market leader for high-performance lubricants. Formed from the Latin word “optimum” and the Ancient Greek word “néos” (new, fresh – but also unusual and revolutionary), OPTINEO represents the interplay between history and the future.
In collaboration with the Maltz family of owners, an exceptional office location was created directly on the central district square. The façade with flowing forms, designed by Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos, the landscaped rooftop terrace and the openly designed communication areas inspire visitors and invite them to linger and connect. The design is particularly compelling for its urban planning concept, which extends Werksviertel’s central square westward with an open courtyard: an architectural landmark for Munich’s Werksviertel.
Result
Creating a living environment that encourages courage, creativity and an innovative spirit: this was the main objective of the Spanish architects Nieto Sobejano. Their expertise, already demonstrated in Munich at the Königshof and in the renovation of the Bavarian State Archaeological Collection, also impressed in their designs for OPTINEO in Munich’s Werksviertel.
Particularly remarkable is the fluid design language which, combined with the green rooftop terraces, light-reflecting façades and the 65-metre-high tower, gives Munich’s Werksviertel fresh perspectives and radiance extending beyond the city. 17 floors, 420 parking spaces and a forward-looking sustainability concept provide ideal conditions for a spacious, modern and creative working environment with a high quality of stay amid an urban and diverse district.
An office location with a strong signal for Munich: since July 2023, OPTINEO has been the new branch of KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft. With a long-term lease, KPMG secured this architectural highlight as its new Munich branch well before construction began. OPTINEO also marks a turning point for KPMG AG: New Work concepts and generously designed open spaces have created an inspiring environment in Munich’s Werksviertel. A living environment that fosters courage, an innovative spirit and creativity – full of exciting impulses.
Video interviews
We interviewed several people involved in the project about this project that is close to our hearts:
“We love partnerships like these…” with Wolfgang Roeck, Managing Director of WÖHR + BAUER
“A great architectural element that brings design to Werksviertel...” with Prof. Dr. (Univ. Florence) Elisabeth Merk, City Planning Councillor of the City of Munich
“Connection to the memory, connection to the past...” with Prof. Fuensanta Sobejano, Architect
“Walk directly through into Werksviertel...” with Clemens Baumgärtner, Economic Affairs Officer of the City of Munich
“The special eye-catcher - a 360-degree view..." with Angelika Huber-Strasser, Regional Board Member South of KPMG
“We have always placed great value on open spaces...” with Oliver Vogt, Managing Director of WÖHR + BAUER
Working on OPTINEO offers a wonderful opportunity to create a landmark in Werksviertel that preserves the historical memories of the site, provides excellence in office design and creates a vibrant public space.
Fuensanta Nieto, Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos
Architects:
Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos
Address:
Friedenstraße
81671 Munich
