Keep on moving

Why?

The need for spaces for informal exer­cise sports is growing, as is the realiza­tion of the need for the parti­ci­pa­tion of all future user groups right from the start. Toge­ther with inde­pen­dent initia­tives, the City of Munich drew up a detailed requi­re­ments program as a plan­ning basis for a weather-inde­pen­dent center for indi­vi­dual action sports – and at the same time the speci­fi­ca­tion for an open, inclu­sive meeting place: the “Centre for Applied Skate­board Arts” (CASA), working title “Action­s­port­zen­trum München”.

Back in 2018, the city of Munich announced an invited compe­ti­tion for the project, which Behnisch Archi­tekten won. Soon after­wards, however, the coro­na­virus pandemic and muni­cipal budget bott­len­ecks caused delays. It was not until 2023 that the first cons­truc­tion phase began, with the opening taking place in 2024.

Where?

With the former harrow factory from 1910 as the loca­tion for CASA, the choice fell on a charac­terful indus­trial monu­ment in the heart of Pasing. The long unused hall not only offered suffi­cient space, but also an impres­sive steel cons­truc­tion that gives the new uses an unmist­akable face. The first cons­truc­tion phase revi­ta­lized the exis­ting struc­ture (the hall has been a listed buil­ding since 2008) and made it possible to operate the new sports areas.

A second section in hybrid timber cons­truc­tion is planned for the future, which will add parkour faci­li­ties, a skate bowl, a dirt bike jump line and a café with a terrace. The plan­ning allows this expan­sion to be realized seam­lessly and without inter­rupting ongoing opera­tions.

How?

The archi­tec­tural expres­sion is charac­te­rized by the respectful treat­ment of the exis­ting buil­ding. The striking gable facades and large-format window openings of the Eggen­fa­brik were retained and, toge­ther with the filigree primary steel cons­truc­tion, form the visual back­bone of the Center for Applied Skate­board Arts. Only the roof was removed for struc­tural reasons and replaced by a prefa­bri­cated wooden coffered ceiling, which lends the space both warmth and light­ness.

A newly inserted gallery level blends in sensi­tively with the historic shell, offers lounge and event areas and opens up impres­sive views of the skate area below.

Who?

Acces­si­bi­lity at CASA was a matter of course right from the start. Conse­quently, the sports areas are desi­gned in such a way that wheel­chair skating, for example, is possible without any problems. Wide entrances, clearly struc­tured paths and easy-to-under­stand orien­ta­tion make the entire Centre for Applied Skate­board Arts easy to use for people with diffe­rent levels of mobi­lity.

The operator concept of High Five e.V. trans­lates the idea of open­ness into the ever­yday life of the center. CASA is not just a trai­ning faci­lity for action sports, but a social meeting place where athletes of all ages and abili­ties can exch­ange ideas. The colla­bo­ra­tive plan­ning process has helped shape this character from the outset and lends the project an authen­ti­city that goes beyond mere func­tion.

Warm?

In terms of tech­no­logy and climate, the project does not impress with opulent systems, but with simple, sustainable solu­tions.

The skylight contains photo­vol­taic modules that not only gene­rate elec­tri­city, but also mini­mize over­hea­ting in summer. Instead of a mecha­nical venti­la­tion system, a natural venti­la­tion system was installed: Fresh air flows in through newly created openings at the bottom of the façades and escapes as exhaust air via openable strip lights in the roof. This keeps the indoor climate plea­sant and keeps the tech­nical effort to a minimum – an excep­tio­nally simple solu­tion for sports halls.

The shell itself was also upgraded: external insu­la­tion, insu­la­tion on the inside in more sensi­tive areas, modern glazing – all with conside­ra­tion for the listed buil­ding.

Wow!

CASA (Centre for Applied Skate­board Arts) is much more than just a sports faci­lity. It stands for exch­ange and inclu­sion and is an example of how sustaina­bi­lity, monu­ment protec­tion and action sports are not only compa­tible, but also mutually rein­for­cing.