Level Green Exhibit / J. Mayer H. Architects + Art+Com Berlin

Jul 2009

J. Mayer H. Architects and Art + Com Berlin were commissioned to design a permanent exhibition to highlight the topic of sustainability for the Autostadt in Wolfsburg, Germany. The 1,000 m² exhibit design, entitled Level Green, creates a complex webbed form that slowly reveals information to users. The exhibition material argues for scientific research and the use of latest technological development as necessities for survival in the future.

More about the exhibit and more images after the break.

The complexity of the term sustainability inspired the architects to “take the numerous interdependencies of the topic as a starting point and translate this quality into the metaphor of the web”. The PET-sign, arguably one of the most identifiable signs promoting eco-friendliness, served as the basis for the metaphor’s form. An “extensively branched web” creates an ambiguous experience where visitors discover the different sections of the exhibit by moving through and around this form. “This originally 2-dimensional sign was extended into the third dimension and through a series of step by step manipulations a complex structure was created, which allows for an abstract property of the topic to be experienced on a spatial level.”

The form is created with processed wood composite sheets (MDF) varying in thickness according to the structural and geometrical demands. The MDF is coated with an acrylic-based car paint which guarantees high usability while meeting strict environmental regulations.

The information in the exhibit is displayed in different formats to evoke visitors’ interests and provide knowledge “on a more sensational level”. Touch sensitive surfaces provide in-depth explanations on different topics, while statistical data is arranged as “data sculptures or sample objects”. The information is seamlessly integrated into the vertical elements which define different areas within the space.

As seen on Bustler. Photo credit: Uwe Walter

Client: Autostadt GmbH, Wolfsburg
Site: Volkswagen GroupForum, 1st Floor, Autostadt, Wolfsburg
Architect: J. MAYER H. Architects, Berlin

18 comments »

me says:

whatever u say………

# July 21, 2009 at 23:00

Fino says:

Uh….it’s a little too much don’t you think?

# July 21, 2009 at 23:58

Small says:

so garish and plastic looking. Doesnt represent the sustainability message at all. the diagram of the green elements as an abstraction of the PET recycle symbol is a joke.

# July 22, 2009 at 02:03

Tray Loader says:

An Impetus of a boyish min, neglecting the necessities of humanity, pushing out female sensitivity, and looking like the HULK.

Sad and backwards orientated.

Typical breed of the ancient car industries.

Mayer is overrated.

# July 22, 2009 at 02:58

Remkool says:

Nice design…

but …. only for a 5 % of the people of this world…

# July 22, 2009 at 06:58

MiKe Mecanics says:

I think they invite one of the “worst” architects to represent the green spirit, although if you take of the green idea it looks great to me… but very far of the subject

# July 22, 2009 at 07:13

Nana Scholz says:

Fits better to Microsoft.
X Box anyone?

# July 22, 2009 at 07:16

jw says:

something about the lighting with the materials… it is just too much.

and the abstraction of the PET-sign… it’s just not a strong concept.

# July 22, 2009 at 08:22

CW says:

What a joke!!

# July 22, 2009 at 11:18

The fact that someone would even consider this architecture is a joke

# July 22, 2009 at 11:19

theDude says:

I feel like a fish gliding through kelp!

# July 23, 2009 at 00:33

Ralph Kent says:

I love that exploded PET diagram… six degrees of separation? Or six phases of utter BS? I might have a go myself. I reckon in six moves I could morph the PET logo into the 3D form of a North Sea oil rig.

# July 23, 2009 at 04:22

kasko says: