Snøhetta designs high-rise for Rohde & Schwarz Campus in Munich
Technology group Rohde & Schwarz is planning to expand its headquarters in the urban quarter of Munich´s Werksviertel and commissions Snøhetta with the design of a new building complex. The envisioned subtly sculptural 65-meter-tall high-rise will add a striking urban landmark to the city´s skyline.
Inspired by a sine wave, a smooth, S-shaped wave that mathematically represents periodic oscillations, which also represents the company’s technological expertise, the design for the new building volume tapers upwards in a gentle curve. This subtle gesture lends the volume an elegant presence, whose appearance varies depending on perspectives and the incidence of light. The color and its gradients further enhance its sculptural impression, while corresponding with the surrounding buildings on the Rohde & Schwarz Campus. The building’s various tones of blue emphasize the verticality, and the colour gradient, transitioning from dark to light, and conveying a sense of lightness toward the top.
Subtle sculptural presence
“We wanted to design a high-rise with a subtle sculptural presence - precise, understated, and distinctive. The form translates the sine wave, a symbol of the high-tech company Rohde & Schwarz, into a delicate movement across the north and south facades. It is not a bold, imposing form, but rather a subtle figure whose effect is enhanced by the color scheme”, says Patrick Lüth, partner and managing director of Snøhetta Studio Innsbruck.
In a Munich high-rise study, from 2023, the Werksviertel site was identified as a suitable location for a taller building. The approximately 0.9-hectare site is planned to host this new building complex, combining the high-rise with a five-story building, whose height aligns with the neighbouring buildings. The building complex will include offices, research and development facilities as well as a publicly accessible experience center. A generous entrance will connect the building to the plaza. Thus making the Rohde & Schwarz Campus a central part of Munich’s new Werksviertel.
Multipurpose social zone
Flooded in light, the two-storey atrium is envisioned to create a spacious social zone inside of the building. The organically shaped space will not only serve as a casual meeting place but also as an event space, and lecture theatre for up to 500 people. The domed glass roof is designed to direct daylight deep into the space and to emphasize the warm atmosphere of the atrium – creating a deliberate contrast to the building’s monolithic exterior.
The proposed precast concrete skeleton construction reflects the technical precision in the façade design – combining aesthetic appeal with functionality. Vertical lamellas will protect against direct sunlight, thereby reducing heat gain. At the same time, photovoltaic panels are integrated into the northwest, southeast and southwest facades. The precise three-dimensional building envelope, which combines climate control and energy generation, will further contribute to the identity of the technology company.
Transformation plan
The suggested iconic 65-meter-tall tower fits the area’s transformation plan serving as a landmark for the neighbourhood and translating Rohde & Schwarz’ identity into architectural form. Furthermore, this architectural statement underscores the company’s commitment to Munich as its home, and to the city’s urban community.
“This project demonstrates Rohde & Schwarz’s ambition and commitment to quality, including in the field of architecture. With this striking building complex, the company is making a visible statement in the cityscape that reflects Rohde & Schwarz’s status as a major employer in the region.”
Stephan Kahl Gustafsson, Managing Director of R&S Immobilienmanagement GmbH
“The design effortlessly creates an iconic high-rise building with a strong sense of individuality. Its finely structured, sculptural façade gives the building a dynamic surface while seamlessly integrating it into the Rohde & Schwarz Campus complex,”
explains Lars Klatte, Chair of the Jury, RKW Architektur+.
Image credit: Filippo Bolognese and Snøhetta
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About Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For over 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 3.16 billion in the 2024/2025 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2025, Rohde & Schwarz had more than 15,000 employees worldwide.
R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.
Peter Zöch