Today we gave ourselves one task. Let's try to connect two completely different things. Let's say cars and architecture. Is there anything that cars and architecture have in common?
Of course they do! Every company has its own headquarters. In our case, there are also factories, showrooms, pavilions, etc. To do our little task we choose Audi. Why Audi? Because they have great taste in both, cars and architecture.
The most impressive building related to this company is their headquarters in Tokyo, called Audi Forum. It is also known as "The Iceberg" because of its beautiful glassy dynamic facade. Forum is designed by Creative Designers International (CDI) and it is definitely one of the most recognized buildings in this mega city. It's even listed as one of 7 architectural wonders of the world in Conde Nast Traveller.
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Next Audi building that attracted our attention is Audi Centre in Singapore. With 3 underground floors and 8 floors above the ground it's the tallest Audi facility in the world covering area of 3,057 square meters (32,903 square feet).
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Audi Ring is definitely the best example of connection between cars and architecture. This impressive piece of modern architecture is designed by Schmidhuber + Partner in cooperation with KMS TEAM. It's 100 meters long and 70 meters wide modern trade show pavilion with integrated driving track, where up to nine vehicles will be moving simultaneously on two levels, visible also from the outside via elongated openings in the façade.
All images by schmidhuber + partner
Audi AreA1 is another pavilion designed by Schmidhuber + Partner, this time in Barcelona, Spain. Visitors to AreA1 are led through a series of zones that follow a clear dramaturgy. First come several showroom modules that present the new A1 in perfect light. Next come exhibition areas designed to display product information, vehicle configuration and connectivity issues in a lively and engaging manner. The last stop on the visit is a small, central marketplace with a bar, seating, and WLAN. This meeting place is also the starting point of the Driving Experience, where visitors can join Audi instructors on a test drive of the new A1.
All images by schmidhuber + partner
Third pavilion also designed by talented Schmidhuber + Partner office is Audi Sphere in the historical center of Copenhagen, Denmark. The spheres are textile, air-filled shapes made of a light PVC membrane, embodying the theme of lightweight construction and serving as a walk-in exhibit at the same time.
To get inside the silver sphere, the visitor first steps onto a raised platform. This elevation not only forms an urban square in itself, but also perfectly integrates the three spheres into the surroundings, as no event platform disturbs the space below, allowing it to remain completely open. Each sphere is encircled by an oblique red "meridian" emphasizing the light and elegant design.
All images by Andreas Keller
That's it! Cars and architecture indeed have connection. Hope you enjoyed this post and don't be shy to share it with your friends who love both, cars and architecture.