BMW Headquarters

BMW Headquarters (also BMW Tower, or literally from German: "BMW four-cylinder") is a Munich landmark and still serves as world headquaters for the Bavarian automaker. The building was declared historical in 1999. An extensive remodel commenced in 2004 and is scheduled to complete im 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 tall, is located in direct proximity to the Olympic Village and is often mentioned as one of the most notable examples of modern architecture in Munich.

BMW Museum is located right next to the tower; its exterior resembles a salad bowl. Both, the museum and the tower, were architected by Karl Schwanzer. The shape of the tower resembles four vertical cylinders standing next to and across from each other. Each cylinder is divided horizontally in its center by a recess 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. The building has 22 occupied floors, two of which are basements and 18 serve as office space.

During 1972 Summer Olympics BMW branding was removed from the buildings to prevent undesirable product placement. Interestingly, this also applied to the 2002 sedans, which followed Olympic marathoners during the competition.

Weblinks

http://www.7-forum.com/modelle/bmw_hochhaus.php