Henning Larsen’s World of Volvo Embraces Nature With A Timber Cover

Henning Larsen has unveiled its newest architectural marvel, the World of Volvo exhibition and occasions middle in Gothenburg, Sweden, boasting a particular “forest-like cover” roof construction. The round 22,000-square-meter construction, commissioned by Swedish automotive giants Volvo Vehicles and Volvo Group, is adorned with a roof impressed by the pure world.

Crafted from glued laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber (CLT), the constructing options mass-timber columns organized to imitate the type of tree trunks, creating an inviting and natural environment. These columns rise and unfold outward, supporting the roof whereas enveloping guests beneath a cover paying homage to a lush forest.

Exhibition area. (Picture by Rasmus Hjortshoj)

Scheduled to open to the general public on April 14th, as a part of Volvo’s anniversary festivities, the World of Volvo is designed to host quite a lot of occasions, exhibitions, talks, and conferences, showcasing the model’s wealthy historical past and values. Located in Gothenburg’s vibrant occasions district, the middle goals to supply guests a welcoming area with a robust connection to nature.

The design idea attracts inspiration from Sweden’s pure panorama, with the constructing’s structure and supplies reflecting the nation’s ethos of “Allemansrätten,” or the liberty to roam in nature. The usage of timber not solely aligns with sustainable practices but additionally serves to embody the regional panorama in each kind and materiality.

The higher stage options an natural design, incorporating glazed partitions that supply panoramic views of the round rooftop. (Picture by Rasmus Hjortshoj)

A staircase adorned with tiered seating curves alongside the perimeter of the constructing. (Picture by Rasmus Hjortshoj)

That includes a glazed facade, the constructing incorporates a large staircase alongside its exterior, offering seating alternatives and facilitating entry to the landscaped backyard on the rooftop. The higher stage, punctuated by glazed partitions, homes exhibition areas, a bar, a restaurant, convention services, and a workspace.

Henning Larsen’s design philosophy emphasizes the synergy between natural supplies and kinds, drawing parallels between the construction’s architectural parts and pure phenomena. The metaphor of the tree, deeply rooted in Nordic mythology and Volvo’s Swedish heritage, symbolizes life, development, and connection, additional enriching the constructing’s narrative.

The World of Volvo exhibition is located within the occasions district of Gothenburg. (Picture by Rasmus Hjortshoj)

The construction was created for Volvo Group and Volvo Vehicles. (Picture by Rasmus Hjortshoj)

Large timber columns lengthen outward to kind the roof construction on the World of Volvo. (Picture by Rasmus Hjortshoj)

Along with the World of Volvo mission, Henning Larsen has undertaken numerous modern ventures, together with an atomic science analysis facility and a mass-timber college constructing, showcasing the studio’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation.

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