Olympiapark Munich Vision 2018

Diploma Thesis | Master Thesis, Summer Semester 2008

Topic

Munich decided in 2007 to submit a joint bid with the city of Garmisch-Partenkirchen to host the 2018 Winter Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was set to decide on this in 2011. The Olympiapark in Munich was planned to be one of the venues for the games. However, the main use of the Olympiapark, primarily for football and sports events, had declined due to the construction of the arena at Fröttmaninger Heide. The discussion surrounding the economic "utilization" of the park by the Munich Olympiapark GmbH has persisted.

Various usage concepts and redevelopment plans have been considered and, in some cases, implemented since then (e.g., Sealife, among others). These often clash with the fact that the site, including its sports facilities, is now protected as an ensemble. The bid for the Olympics brought a new dimension to this discussion. Nevertheless, the design of the park landscape with its buildings, designed by the Behnisch + Grzimek team, stands as a unique testament to late 1960s architecture and landscape architecture.

The park landscape intertwines with the surrounding city in various ways, integrating transportation structures and bridges. However, in some areas, it appears incomplete. The focus of the analysis and design should be on the park's edges—where it maintains its distinct character, where it dissolves, or where it is at risk of being lost. How can contemporary solutions be found for these edge conditions?