SAP Garden in Munich Receives Prestigious Green GOOD DESIGN Award 2026
Munich, March 10, 2026 – The SAP Garden, a new sports and event arena in Munich, has been honored with the Green GOOD DESIGN Award 2026. This international recognition highlights the venue’s innovative and sustainable design, particularly its landscape architecture, within the historically significant Munich Olympic Park. The award was presented by the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.
The specific category in which the SAP Garden received its accolade was “Green Urban Planning / Landscape Architecture,” acknowledging the exceptional work of the landscape architecture firm Latz + Partner. The SAP Garden officially opened in September 2024, becoming a significant addition to Munich’s event landscape.
A Leading International Award for Sustainable Design
The Green GOOD DESIGN Award is considered one of the most important international distinctions for sustainable design. For the 2026 awards, projects in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, product, packaging, and graphic design were submitted from over 40 countries worldwide. An international jury of industry experts selected more than 200 outstanding examples of ecologically and sustainably oriented design, with the SAP Garden being among the distinguished recipients.
The European Centre and the Chicago Athenaeum initiated Green GOOD DESIGN with the aim of showcasing exemplary contributions to sustainable design globally and raising public awareness of ecological responsibility in design and planning. This program is a specialized edition of the original GOOD DESIGN Awards, which was established in Chicago in 1950 by Eero Saarinen, Charles, and Ray Eames, and is recognized as the oldest and one of the most significant design awards worldwide.
SAP Garden: A Landmark of Sustainability in Munich
The SAP Garden’s recognition underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative urban integration. Located within the protected Munich Olympic Park, the project successfully harmonizes modern architectural demands with the ecological and historical context of its surroundings. The landscape architecture, in particular, was praised for its thoughtful integration into the existing park structure, contributing to biodiversity and public green spaces.
This award serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the developers, architects, and planners who prioritized sustainability throughout the entire design and construction process. The SAP Garden aims to set new standards for sports and event venues, demonstrating that large-scale infrastructure projects can be both functional and environmentally responsible.
Impact on Future Venue Development
The success of the SAP Garden in securing such a prestigious award is expected to influence future developments in venue design and construction, particularly in the realm of sustainability. It highlights a growing trend towards ecological considerations in major projects, encouraging other cities and developers to adopt similar green practices.
The venue has already made headlines for its operational efficiency and visitor experience. Recently, the SAP Garden celebrated a milestone of one million visitors during the 100th event held at the arena, an EHC Red Bull Munich ice hockey game. This rapid achievement, coupled with the sustainability award, positions the SAP Garden as a leading example of modern, multi-purpose event facilities.
The SAP Garden’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its design. Its operational strategies are also geared towards minimizing environmental impact, including energy efficiency measures and waste reduction programs. This holistic approach to sustainability reinforces its status as a model for future developments.
Source: Stadionwelt, SAP Garden München
