Oberpollinger sits on Munich’s main axe, a beacon within the Bavarian city encompassing the main department stores, the guiding elements of the metropolitan center. The luxury shopping center is nestled inside an iconic and renowned building boasting a traditional and vernacular façade and overall appearance.

The interiors design hinges on the juxtaposition of German rational architecture and a traditional Bavarian context which were the sources of inspiration. One can clearly see Bauhaus and Miesian elements or patterns inspired by Anni Albers in contrast with a more classic area, incorporating wooden column cladding, referring to the Bavarian background.

Upon a closer analysis, the total floor area of circa 5000m² required a clear design strategy to grant a diverse shopping experience. The client manifestly hinted at carving heterogenous, and variegated spaces characterized by diverse designs in order to keep the public engaged at all times. A floor layout with three main areas engulfed by perimeter shops was created to achieve spatial hierarchies and reference points. This resulted in a ‘Classic area’ (zone A), a ‘Contemporary area’ (zone B) and a dedicated ‘Shoe Pavilion’ (zone C).

What differentiates these three areas are the main materials and finishes. There is a strong use of diverse materials in this project, characterizing each zone specifically. One can clearly consider the perimeters as the generic design, referring to the Bavarian building vernacular context, rich with wood. Area A and C function as central islands inside a rigid structure, surrounded by adjacent stores. Area B works as a connector between areas A and C.

Zone A (the classic area) harks back to Bavarian roots with wooden columns around the perimeter and wooden floors for the perimeter shops, around a central high-end area with brushed aluminum floors. A central area carrying high end brands features columns cladded in white Calacatta marble to enrich the experience and make it more elegant and cozier also with the use of rugs to create a warmer atmosphere. The use of dark wood veneer for the fitting rooms, designed as wooden boxes that divide the space, create a backdrop and avoid the full area being conceived as ‘one’. The same idea is valid with the metal mesh curtains that screen the spaces and create a backdrop. In the central area of the classic area, we utilized matt aluminum ceilings, which appear to be floating, creating a graphic composition.

Zone B (contemporary / multi-brand area), wedged between zone A and C, is the connecting area between 2 rational grids of 2 existing buildings. The central Zone B was conceptually considered as a ‘forest’ of columns (since it has a less rational strict grid) through which visitors could ‘get lost’ intentionally and when crossing, they would find their way out of the forest into the other side of the building. This ended up in a black metal “forest” with a ceiling referring to the rational linear design language of Bauhaus. All VVDA-designed and -selected furniture, is based on chrome / metal / silver finishes, and contains black metal ceilings and columns, metal mesh claddings on columns and cabinets, and terrazzo flooring, creating the intended ‘contemporary’ feel. Shop areas are divided by mid-height metal paravents, with glass infill.

Zone C (shoe area), situated on the opposite side, is also designed as a central pavilion, with perimeter shops around. Again, perimeter shops with wooden floors and wooden columns are the basis for the Bavarian context. Here, a central red metallic pavilion carries a Bauhaus mood with custom furniture, as well as selected iconic Bauhaus pieces (lamps, chairs). Typical Bauhaus themes are ubiquitous such as tubular elements, mainly in the furniture, linoleum floor patterns, inspired by Anni Albers, and black metal mesh and dark red metal columns, with an industrial reference, homages to Mies van der Rohe.

More info: Oberpollinger.de