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With our new name Behnisch Architekturbüro and the launch of behnisch.com, we mark an important step in the ongoing development of our practice. Across our four locations, we are strengthening our identity as one office, presenting our work and approach in a more unified way. Both reflect a clearer identity and our continued commitment to sustainability, transparency, and sharing knowledge.
The new website is conceived as an open and evolving platform that offers comprehensive access to how we work. It brings together our projects, people, processes, and research in a clear and intuitive structure, designed for both mobile and desktop use.
Sustainability is at the center of the platform. An expanded series of detailed case studies gives deeper insight into design strategies, environmental concepts, and the measurable impact of our projects. These are complemented by a Resources section, where we share research, publications, and knowledge developed within the office. The website is designed to reveal connections across our work. Through fluid navigation and closely linked content, users can move between projects, themes, and typologies, from cultural and educational buildings to workplaces and sports facilities. This allows ideas, collaborations, and developments to be understood across different scales.
Our approach to sustainability also extends into the digital experience. The website includes an energy saving mode that reduces data usage and energy consumption during browsing.
behnisch.com is not a static portfolio but a working platform for clients, collaborators, researchers, and a wider public. It offers insight into the thinking behind our projects and creates space to explore the topics that continue to shape our practice.

Stuttgart, Boston, Munich, Weimar
(m/f/d)

Architecture thrives on initiative. We are always interested in meeting people who bring their own perspective to the built environment. Whether you are at an early stage of your journey or already experienced, we welcome unsolicited applications that reflect your ideas, your process, and your ambitions.

Share your work and get in touch at office@behnisch.com, regardless of current openings.

Our proposal for the School Campus Hohewart² has received an honorable mention. The design builds on the site’s existing landscape character, preserving most of the valuable tree population while carefully integrating new buildings into the natural topography. Rather than a collection of isolated structures, the campus is envisioned as an ensemble of clearly defined volumes that together create a coherent, identity-shaping whole. At the heart of the campus is a vibrant, central space that fosters connection, community and exchange between the two schools. Differentiated outdoor areas, varied spatial sequences, and flexible learning clusters support contemporary educational concepts while maintaining the site’s intimate scale and grain.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this project.

Our team has won 1st prize in the competition for Kronach's adventure pool. A new place for sport, leisure and community is on its way.

Next week on March 19, Michelle Lee of Behnisch and Roman Schieber of knippershelbig will be at Zak World of Façades in Washington DC to present the University of Pennsylvania’s Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology.
The facade and form were designed to maximize natural ventilation, enable energy-efficient radiant heating and cooling, daylight, connection to community and the city to enhance the work and life of the scientists.

Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eRaq9fMD

Photo credit: Brad Feinknopf

Last week, our team — Michelle Lee and Ryan Maruyama — presented the research project “Geometry of Water: Shaping Terra Cotta for Urban Heat Islands” at the Advances in Architectural Geometry 2025 symposium at MIT. They were joined in the presentation by Pamela Cabrera Pardo (Transsolar Klima Engineering), highlighting the collaborative nature of this ongoing research effort.
The project brings together Behnisch Architekten, Transsolar KlimaEngineering, knippershelbig, TriPyramid Structures and Boston Valley Terra Cotta to investigate how terra cotta façade geometries can support cooling in dense urban environments experiencing increasing heat stress.

A New Approach to Urban Microclimates
Rather than relying on shading alone, the research centers on evaporative cooling. By shaping terra cotta like a sponge—through pleating, dimpling, folding, and other geometric strategies—the tiles can absorb and temporarily store rainwater. As this water evaporates, the façade cools itself and the surrounding microclimate.
The geometry is tuned not only for maximum evaporation but also for freeze–thaw durability, making the system suitable for four-season climates like New England. The design merges the logic of a ventilated rainscreen façade with ceramic innovation, environmental performance, and fabrication practicality.

From Material Research to Urban Impact
Using digital simulation, physical prototyping, and full-scale testing, the project shows that shaped terra cotta can significantly reduce surface temperatures on hot days and improve thermal comfort in streets, courtyards, and other public spaces.

As cities around the world continue to densify and warm, the project proposes a façade system that is market-ready, materially efficient, and aligned with future climate demands. We look forward to the continuing conversations from AAG2025 and to advancing this research together with our partners.
A complete technical overview, including methodology, performance testing and environmental modeling, is available in the attached PDF proceedings.

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NEW IDENTITY

Work with BEHNISCH

Honorable Mention for the Schulcampus Hohewart²

1st prize for the new Adventure Pool CRANA MARE in Kronach

Lecture: THE WELL-TEMPERED LABORATORY

Advances in Architectural Geometry at the MIT

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