Henning Larsen has revealed their design for a new experience center called World of Volvo in the Swedish automaker’s hometown of Gothenburg.
Touting a “deep connection” to the design heritage and rich natural landscape of Scandinavia, the massive 236,800-square-foot new facility offers itself as the combined home of Volvo Group and Volvo Cars and will function as the host for a slate of events, including exhibitions, talks, conferences, and music as well as dining and retail, according to Volvo’s CEO Magnus Wrahme.
Henning Larsen’s design is based on the Swedish concept of “Allemansrätten,” a kind of folkway that endorses individual free movement and a delicate consideration for their place in nature similar to the American environmentalist idum “leave no trace.”
Its circular form expresses an empathy towards these two interconnected tenets and is composed of computer-fabricated glulam timber reinforced by internal metal connectors with interior floorplates made entirely of locally-sourced laminated timber materials. Native Swedish flora and geological features complete the metaphor.
“We commit to create a landmark, a new icon and destination in the city centre of Gothenburg. We also commit to gathering people in an inspiring meeting place reflecting Volvo’s human-centric approach and perspectives,” Wrahme said.
Preliminary construction has already begun and is expected to be completed by the end of next year. World of Volvo’s official public opening will follow shortly thereafter in the spring of 2024.
3 Comments
Is the splayed structural (?) ribs pretty much a standard design feature with mass timber? Remember seeing something very similar with one of Heatherwick's buildings.
See also, its certainly the obvious metaphor/reference?
I also can't help but see 3dh/think of Per?
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