Demolition Wasn't the Answer
How a 1970s Office Building Became a Prime Asset
A 1970s office building near the main railway station had outlived its original purpose. Rather than demolish it, the structure was recently and thoughtfully reimagined as a contemporary architectural statement. Quest found an investor who recognized the building's potential and preserved it—now called the "Fritz"—with an entirely new vision for its use. Technically, its location on Schillerstraße should have earned it the name Friedrich, but Fritz perfectly captures the young, vibrant energy of this reimagined office building.
The corner building has been reinvented as a striking architectural statement, thanks to a bold redesign by CSMM – architecture matters. The comprehensive renovation stripped the structure to its core, then rebuilt it with two additional floors, bringing the total to eight including the ground level. The result is stunning: a glass-and-steel silhouette that becomes almost luminous when night falls. Every floor features open, flexible workspaces designed to adapt to contemporary work styles and future office concepts. Even during construction, the team created a marketing lounge, inviting prospective tenants to experience the transformation firsthand. The 4,500 m² of space now unleashes creative possibilities for modern, flexible working. Each floor opens onto its own balcony, while a generous rooftop terrace invites tenants outside. Key to the transformation: a dramatically redesigned façade with expansive glazing and thoughtfully elevated ceiling heights, achieved by routing technical systems above the ceiling plane. The Fritz proves that when approached with vision and purpose, a heritage building can become a catalyst for tomorrow's workplace.
CSMM – architecture matters stands apart. Beyond designing, realizing, and renovating buildings, the firm positions itself as a strategic advisor—offering seasoned consultation from the earliest project stages. For Fritz, their visionary approach earned multiple industry awards.
Photography Credits:
Gleb Polovnykov
(Published in CUBE Munich 04|22)
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