Design and Technology Trip to Munich
Published by Hurstpierpoint College on Sunday 14th of December 2025
At the start of the Christmas holidays, our Design and Technology students set off to Munich.
At the start of the Christmas holidays, our Design and Technology students set off from Gatwick on one of the first flights of the day, arriving in Munich just after 9am. Following check-in at the hotel, the group began with an architectural and historical tour of the Bavarian capital. Munich’s city centre is a showcase of Gothic architecture, from the striking New Town Hall in Marienplatz to the iconic Frauenkirche and ornate Asamkirche. The guide shared fascinating insights into the city’s rich history, including its links to the origins of the Third Reich, and even pointed the group towards the best Christmas markets, some of which were explored that evening.
Friday was all about innovation and engineering excellence. The group started at the BMW Museum, where students were immersed in the evolution of one of the world’s most renowned automotive brands. From classic cars and motorbikes to cutting-edge concepts, the museum highlighted how design and technology drive progress. A standout moment was seeing a BMW racing car constructed almost entirely from carbon fibre, weighing just 870kg, highlighting significant advances in material innovation. Next, the group visited BMW Welt, an architectural marvel in its own right, showcasing deconstructivist architecture. Here, students explored BMW’s latest models alongside Mini and Rolls-Royce, gaining hands-on experience with the vehicles that define modern engineering. Although all the buildings were closed for renovation, after BMW the group was able to walk around Olympiapark, the site of the 1972 Summer Games. Here, the students admired the revolutionary tent-like roof structure, designed by Frei Otto and Günther Behnisch, which uses steel cables and acrylic panels. This bold design symbolised a new, modern vision for post-war Germany and remains an iconic example of architectural innovation to this day. The day concluded with visits to the English Garden Christmas market and the Tollwood Winter Festival at Theresienwiese, home to the world-famous Oktoberfest. The festival’s circus theme, global cuisine, and fairtrade craft stalls provided a vibrant cultural experience, as well as an opportunity for some Christmas present shopping.
Saturday brought another highlight, the Allianz Arena. Despite the foggy morning, which made finding the stadium difficult as it blended into the mist around the group, the futuristic design impressed everyone. Known for its colour-changing façade made of 2,760 ETFE panels, the arena is a triumph of structural engineering and home to FC Bayern Munich. Students explored behind the scenes, from the players’ changing rooms to the press conference area, and even tested the stadium’s acoustics with a resounding “GOAL!”. That afternoon, the group visited Dachau concentration camp and memorial site, a sobering but essential experience. As the first and longest-running Nazi camp, Dachau serves as a stark reminder of history’s darkest chapters. Walking through reconstructed barracks, the crematorium, and the prototype gas chamber was deeply thought-provoking, reinforcing the importance of remembrance.
The final evening was spent enjoying traditional Bavarian cuisine, a perfect way for the students to reflect on their experiences over the past few days. On Sunday, the trip ended at the Deutsches Museum, the world’s largest science and technology museum. This was a celebration of innovation, featuring exhibits on robotics, renewable energy, aerospace, transport, and an impressive model railway. For the Design and Technology students, it was an inspiring finale, showcasing how creativity and engineering shape the world around them.
This trip was not just about sightseeing; it was about experiencing the real-world impact of design and technology. From architectural landmarks to automotive engineering and scientific exhibits, students saw firsthand how ideas become reality. It reinforced the importance of curiosity, problem-solving, and innovation, which sit at the heart of the subject.This trip was not just about sightseeing; it was about experiencing the real-world impact of design and technology. From architectural landmarks to automotive engineering and scientific exhibits, students saw firsthand how ideas become reality. It reinforced the importance of curiosity, problem-solving, and innovation, which sit at the heart of the subject.
