An implementation planning challenge: the construction of a activity and delivery centre for BMW

Complexity in design

The execution of BMW Welt’s design placed high demands on its steel and facade structure. In particular, the roof construction, which weighs 4,000 tons, is described as a ‘floating cloud’ – but does not obey geometric rules. Its external height ranges from 28 to 30 metres, while the interior is between 6 and 26 metres high – resulting in a complex geometry for the supporting structure and requiring the utmost precision across all sections.

Plan management achieves new dimensions

In addition to the complicated technical requirements for planning, the project had a tight timeframe. Communication and clarification processes between draft designer, Coop Himmelb(l)au, and the 30 design specialists – comprising around 120 architects and engineers –  needed to be observed. Above all, the correct designs needed to be available in the right place, at the right time – presenting a challenge for Schmitt Stumpf Frühauf und Partner, the engineering company responsible for executing the project and monitoring construction. Schmitt Stumpf Frühauf needed to supply around 50,000 plans to more than 100 different companies involved in planning and execution.

These – and many other challenges during the design and execution phases – prompted Schmitt Stumpf Frühauf to decide to rely on think project! to help turn the ambitious concepts for BMW Welt into reality.