Fünf Höfe, Munich, Germany

The Fünf Höfe, in the center of Munich, Germany, is a mixed use urban redevelopment project designed by the architecture firm Herzog & de Muron. Finished in 2003, it is the first realization of a plan to reinvent the old town of Munich proposed in 1947 by architect Adolf Abel. The Fünf Höfe, or "Five Courtyards", is an intricate web of shops, offices, exhibition spaces and apartments connected by through passages that link the streets surrounding the block. There is little street frontage at the entrances to the 800,000 square feet of remodeled space within, the largest of which is seen in these photographs. This facade features folding shutters made of perforated metal, designed by the architects to give the user control of the amount of light allowed into their space. Another one of the most interesting features of the project is the hanging garden in the main interior thoroughfare of the complex. This is another example of the architects' inventive use of materials to create interesting and innovative spaces and buldings.

Will Wingfield

The Beer Halls of Munich

I'm seen here at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich, Germany while three peers and I went to the strong beer festival in Munich, or as they say, the Starkbierzeit. The festival is nowhere near the size of Oktoberfest but still brings in a healthy amount of tourists. There are six significant Beer Halls in Munich and Hofbrauhaus is the most famous, the most touristy, and actually the most fun. We had just arrived in Munich after a long drive through the Alps and were in dire need of a liter and food. I had chicken and potato salad and it was out of this world, but not as good as the beer. My friends and I got our first liter, stared each other in the eye, and said a loud "Prost (Cheers)," followed by a slamming of the glasses on the tables and a long drink. We were following standard drinking protocol for Bavarians in beer halls.

Brian

Olympic Stadium, Munich

The Olympic Stadium in Munich is part of a larger complex, Olympiapark, built for the 1972 Olympic Games. The Stadium was designed by architect Gunther Behnisch and engineer Frei Otto. It was considered revolutionary for its time, and retains its magnificence to this day, giving the impression of a much more contemporary construction. It is constructed with large canopies of acrylic glass stabilized by steel cables. This was the first time this method of tensile construction was used on a large scale. The form was intended to imitate the Alps, and make a statement for a new Germany that had moved on from its past into a democratic and technologically advanced future. The complex has continued to hold important athletic and musical events over the past 35 years, retaining its functionality and elegance.

Will Wingfield