Business Details
25 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Urban Design
Established in 2001, Team 51.5 is a collaborative practice led by Franziska Wagner and Swen Geiss. Our work spans architectural, landscape, and urban design projects, informed by academic research and teaching across institutions in Aachen, Wuppertal, Alfter, and London. We adopt a holistic approach, addressing the social, ecological, and urban contexts of each project. Sustainability is integral to our process, guiding material selection and design strategies to balance economic viability with energetic efficiency. Our international experience informs innovative solutions that create flexible, contemporary living patterns while respecting local conditions and cultural contexts. 
Services
Architecture
Urbanism
Landscape Design
Sustainable Design
Research
Teaching
Housing
Cultural Projects
Educational Facilities
Public Spaces
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We integrate academic research with practical architectural expertise.
- Our holistic approach considers social, ecological, and urban contexts.
- Sustainability is embedded in every stage of our design process.
- International experience informs culturally responsive design solutions.
- We prioritise economic viability alongside energetic efficiency in projects.
Associations and certifications
- ARB
- RIBA
Services
Architecture
We create innovative architectural solutions tailored to each project's unique context. Our approach combines sustainability with modern aesthetics, ensuring functional spaces that adapt to evolving needs. With expertise across residential, cultural, and educational sectors, we deliver designs that harmonise with their environment while meeting rigorous efficiency standards.
Urbanism
Our urban design projects focus on creating vibrant, sustainable communities. We develop strategies that balance density with green spaces, integrating infrastructure and public realms. Drawing on international experience, we address contemporary urban challenges through context-sensitive masterplans that enhance local identity and social interaction.
Landscape Design
We design landscapes that connect people with their environment. Our work includes parks, riverfronts, and urban green spaces, prioritising ecological resilience and accessibility. By blending natural elements with functional design, we create dynamic outdoor areas that evolve with their surroundings and communities.
Sustainable Design
Sustainability underpins all our projects, from material selection to energy efficiency. We implement passive design strategies and renewable technologies to minimise environmental impact. Our holistic approach ensures buildings perform optimally throughout their lifecycle while maintaining aesthetic and functional integrity.
Research
We bridge academic inquiry with practical application through ongoing research initiatives. Our investigations into materials, construction methods, and urban dynamics inform cutting-edge solutions. This commitment to innovation ensures our designs remain at the forefront of architectural discourse and technological advancement.
People
Franziska Wagner
Dipl. Ing. Architect
Franziska Wagner co-founded Team 51.5 in 2001. With experience across global practices and academic institutions, she specialises in integrating sustainable strategies into architectural design while maintaining a strong focus on material innovation and contextual sensitivity.
Swen Geiss
Dipl. Ing. Architekt
Swen Geiss brings extensive international design experience to Team 51.5. His work emphasises the interplay between urban contexts and architectural form, with a particular interest in adaptive reuse projects that preserve cultural heritage while addressing contemporary functional requirements.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in sustainable architecture, urban design, landscape projects, and research-driven solutions tailored to each client's unique requirements.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
Sustainability guides our material choices, energy strategies, and spatial planning to ensure environmental responsibility without compromising functionality or aesthetic quality.
In which regions do you operate?
While based in London and Wuppertal, we undertake projects across Europe, South America, and Asia, adapting our approach to local contexts.
Can you handle both private and public sector projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience in residential, cultural, educational, and municipal projects across both private and public sectors.
How do you balance innovation with practicality?
Our academic research informs practical solutions that merge cutting-edge design with buildability, ensuring innovative yet deliverable outcomes.
