Kaufhaus Hettlage, Department store in Münchner Altstadt, Munich, Germany.
Kaufhaus Hettlage is a five-story concrete structure with evenly spaced window rows and a perforated facade. At street level, a spacious arcade frames retail spaces and entrances that open toward the surrounding streets.
Josef Wiedemann designed this concrete building in 1955 on the site of the former Academy's west wing, which was destroyed during World War II. The structure represents Munich's post-war reconstruction and a shift in architectural approach during the recovery period.
The facade painting by Hermann Kaspar displays geometric patterns that echo the artistic legacy of the former Academy building. This artistic approach gives the store a visual connection to the neighborhood's cultural history.
The store sits in central Munich's Old Town near public transportation and is easily accessible on foot. Multiple retail levels are connected by the arcade and direct street entrances for convenient shopping access.
The building employs a reinforced concrete framework with a perforated facade, reflecting a shift in commercial architecture after the war. This structural approach allowed large retail spaces to be created efficiently while demonstrating modern construction methods.
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