By 2033, the Max Planck Society will replace all of its low-rise buildings on campus from the 1970s with modern, multi-storey buildings that seal less space and allow for shorter distances to the subway.
The campus in Martinsade will completely change its face over the next ten years. All buildings of the Max Planck Society (MPG) are gradually being demolished and replaced by new ones. The motto is: “The new scientific orientation of the U-Bahn-oriented top international research: a completely refurbished campus,” said Christoph Nagel-Hirshauer from the German MPG General Administration on Tuesday at Pleneger municipal councils. The massive project is being financed with 500 million euros, which the Free State is providing with special funding specifically for the Martinsade campus.
The buildings of the Max Planck Institutes have been under construction for years.
(Photo: Katharina Hayes)
For more than half a century, the Max Planck Society’s institutions in Martinsried have formed the heart of the sprawling campus with universities, the Bio-Center and the Innovation and Start-up Center (IZB) for Biotechnology. Nagel-Hirshauer at the local council said the 50-year-old flat building shows strong signs of wear. The construction of the metro from Groadern to campus triggered MPI’s deliberations for a total solution: “We want to create an ecologically-oriented, as climate-neutral as possible, a newly oriented scientific institution, a center for modern biosciences.” International Lighthouse Project.” The motto is “towards the subway”, and associated with it is a mobility concept that “moves away from the car” and strives for shorter distances. In the past, the MPG “did not take advantage of existing building rights”; Ultimately, it was about the redevelopment of an area of 75,000 square meters. And: “We want to use less floor space. That means we’re going to build something, four to five floors.” The current design with flat buildings means “more ceilings” and is not “future-oriented”.
Institutions always had open days.
(Photo: Stephen Rumpf)
From 2026 – at the same time as U 6 becomes operational – “partial dismantling” is planned. Smaller parts of the building – such as the animal house – could be continued to be used, and the temporary use of containers is also being considered. “We have plenty of space,” Nagel-Hirshauer said. In any case, operations will “continue”, even if restrictions are expected. First of all, new buildings will be constructed in two phases, only then will the transfer take place. Also think about temporary arrangements. A new boarding house is also planned. Huge military effort to be dealt with “in close cooperation with the municipality of Planeg” –
The opening for those interested has been attracting many visitors there over the years.
(Photo: Johannes Simon)
The community plays a central role in planning anyway. Because it only takes two years to prepare the development plan – “a sporty undertaking,” said Ursula Jansson from the building authority. If Nagel-Hirshauer, who is also an architect, is wanted, a new data center will be a priority. In addition, there is a “own power supply complex”, negotiations are already underway with municipal utilities. Day care centers will soon be replaced by temporary arrangements. Nagel-Hirschauer is yet to say whether there will be a European awards process and architectural competitions.
With the creation of the Max Planck Institute nearly 50 years ago, the Max Planck Society laid the foundation stone for today’s biotech campus. Previously, the Municipality of Planeg, under Mayor Richard Naumann (SPD), issued a vast area specifically for the disposal of scientific projects. Over the years, one of the world’s most important scientific centers, also affectionately known as the “Bio-Valley Martinsride”, has emerged.
At present about 100 companies and scientific institutions are counted here. About 1,100 people are employed in 15 scientific departments in two institutes of MP alone. About 850 scientists from 45 countries are currently working at the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry, 300 at the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology. In addition, CVIZEN has the affiliated MPI for Ornithology, which is soon to be merged with the Martinsaid Institutes to form the “MPI for Biological Intelligence”.
Countless international prizes have been awarded to scientists at the MPI Martinsrade, including three Nobel Prizes: to Robert Huber for Chemistry, to Bert Sackmann for Physiology/Medicine, and to Theodor Wolfgang Hans for Physics. Rare
Local councils and Mayor Hermann Nafziger (CSU) of all parliamentary groups were affected. Nafziger believes in a “win-win situation” for everyone involved. Many speakers praised the intention to use tall buildings to take up less space. Nagel-Hirshauer assured that “no tall buildings” were planned, with the ecological aspects rated “very high”. Everything should be ready by 2033.
