The car-free urban quarter "Schwabinger Tor" was developed on the grounds north of Münchner Freiheit – once home to the Metro wholesale market and the legendary Schwabylon. Gone are the garish brutalist concrete blocks; in their place stands refined architecture free of unnecessary experimentation. The centerpiece of this nine-building ensemble is the 5-star Hotel Andaz, situated between the two primary squares. A 14-storey tower and a low five-storey wing create the main façade facing Leopoldstraße. The principal entrance is positioned on the south side, opening toward the city centre.

A second slender building completes the complex, set apart by a narrow passageway behind the main structure. Upper floors are connected via a glass bridge linking the two sections.

Part of the Hyatt Group, Andaz – a Hindi word meaning "personal style" – operates its first German property here. This flagship hotel comprises 234 individually designed rooms, including 43 suites. Beyond the luxurious guest quarters with city and Alpine views from upper levels, the property features a rooftop spa, dining venues, and a striking two-storey Sky Bar. Interior design is by Amsterdam's renowned Concrete studio.

The complex was designed by Hilmer Sattler Architekten Ahlers Albrecht, whose philosophy emphasizes building from context rather than creating radical departures: "We don't seek to design an entirely different building or city. Instead, we develop structures rooted in their surroundings, building deliberately on the lessons of the past." This approach – grounded, reliable, and architecturally coherent – defines the hotel's presence within Schwabinger Tor. Rising 50 metres and stretching 126 metres, the structure integrates seamlessly with its neighbours through a refined cream-coloured natural stone façade. Its rhythmic perforated openings hint at the refined interiors within.

www.h-s-a.de

Photography Credits:

Stefan Müller
www.stefanjosefmueller.de

(Published in CUBE Munich 01|21)