Business Details
25 Years
experience
Innovative Architectural Solutions in London & Wuppertal
Established in 2001, Team 51.5 is led by partners Franziska Wagner and Swen Geiss, operating across the northern latitude 51.5. Our practice integrates architectural, landscape, and urban design projects with academic research and teaching, drawing on international experience from diverse design contexts and academic roles in Aachen, Wuppertal, Alfter, and London. We prioritise a holistic approach, addressing the social, ecological, and urban context of every project. Sustainability is embedded in our design process, balancing economic efficiency and energy performance throughout a building's lifecycle.Our work explores innovative, contemporary living patterns and flexible spatial solutions, achieved through the creative application of simple, sensory materials. We combine strategic pragmatism with theoretical inquiry to develop context-specific architectural responses, maintaining a commitment to rigorous design excellence and environmental responsibility.
Services
Architectural Design
Urban Planning
Landscape Architecture
Sustainable Development
Educational Facilities
Housing Solutions
Cultural Projects
Public Space Design
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We combine 20+ years of international architectural experience with academic research.
- Our holistic approach integrates social, ecological, and urban contexts in every project.
- Sustainability is embedded in our design process from concept to construction.
- We develop flexible, contemporary living patterns through innovative material use.
- Our practice bridges strategic pragmatism and theoretical exploration in design.
Services
Architectural Design
We create innovative architectural solutions tailored to specific site contexts and client needs. Our approach combines modern aesthetics with functional efficiency, prioritising sustainable materials and energy performance. Projects range from educational facilities to residential developments, ensuring each design responds to its environmental and cultural setting while maintaining economic viability.
Urban Planning
Our urban planning services focus on creating cohesive, sustainable urban environments. We develop masterplans that integrate housing, public spaces, and infrastructure while addressing social equity and ecological resilience. Recent projects include revitalisation of industrial sites and designing multifunctional administrative cities, balancing density with quality of life considerations.
Landscape Architecture
We design landscapes that enhance ecological value and human interaction. Our work transforms airfields into parks, riverbanks into public amenities, and urban voids into vibrant green spaces. Each project considers local biodiversity, climate adaptation, and community needs, creating spaces that evolve with their environments over time.
Sustainable Development
Sustainability underpins all our projects through energy-efficient design, passive building strategies, and low-impact materials. We develop resource-efficient housing solutions, retrofit existing structures for improved performance, and integrate renewable energy systems. Our approach ensures environmental responsibility without compromising architectural quality or user comfort.
Educational Facilities
We specialise in creating inspiring learning environments that support modern pedagogical approaches. Our portfolio includes wooden classrooms, special needs units, and after-school facilities designed for flexibility and adaptability. Each project prioritises natural light, spatial openness, and materials that enhance learning experiences while meeting strict sustainability standards.
People
Franziska Wagner
Architect ARB RIBA
Franziska Wagner co-founded Team 51.5 in 2001, bringing international experience from architectural practice and academic teaching across Europe. Her work focuses on integrating sustainable design principles with innovative spatial solutions, particularly in educational and urban regeneration projects.
Swen Geiss
Architect AKNW
Swen Geiss co-founded Team 51.5, combining practical architectural expertise with academic research. His work emphasises urban regeneration and resource-efficient building solutions, informed by teaching roles at institutions in Germany and the UK.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in architectural design, urban planning, landscape architecture, and sustainable development projects across residential, educational, and cultural sectors.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
Sustainability is integral to our process, focusing on energy efficiency, material selection, and lifecycle performance while maintaining design innovation.
Which regions do you operate in?
Our practice spans London, Wuppertal, and international projects in Germany, Italy, Bolivia, and South Korea.
What makes your approach unique?
We combine academic research with practical design, addressing each project's specific social, ecological, and urban context through holistic solutions.
Can you handle both private and public sector projects?
Yes, we work across residential, commercial, and public sectors, delivering tailored solutions for diverse client needs.
