If the idea of manufacturing and production facilities brings to mind closed, dark industrial spaces and a dark-box process, think again. Snøhetta’s latest project, Swarovski Manufaktur in Wattens, Austria, breaks all the rules of what an industrial space could look like.
The structure, which is part of the crystal specialist’s larger HQ and campus in the Tyrolian countryside, was conceived to house both production and creative processes; and most importantly merge the two – bringing makers, designers and clients together for co-creating sessions that open up the whole process of innovation.
The space is as welcoming as its purpose suggests. Large, open spaces feature manufacturing lines alongside drawing boards and offices. A centrally placed, dramatic staircase acts as a key circulation core, but also doubles as a meeting space and main ‘forum’ at the heart of the facility.
Part of the Swarovski campus and worldwide headquarters, Manufaktur presents a new approach to 21st century manufacturing facilities.
The interiors are bright, clean and filled with natural light. Sun shines through the building’s glass-lined sides, but also the ceiling, through openings known as ‘cassettes’. The white steel ceiling incorporates 135 such openings, coated with special material to ensure there is no glare. On top of this, the building meets the criteria of the LEED Gold Standard (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for sustainability.
‘We tried not to interpret the physical properties of crystals in our building geometry’, explains Snøhetta’s Patrick Lüth. ‘Instead, we have tried to understand what makes crystal so special and attractive, and to use these ephemeral qualities to create a specific atmosphere. The space has an incredible amount of daylight penetration which we believe is unparalleled in the typical production facility context. Crystals only come to life with light, so for us it is the intense presence of that daylight that is the most important aesthetic aspect of this building.’
The interior is flooded with daylight and features large, open plan spaces.
The building merges fabrication with the creative process in a single space.
The innovative spatial approach means that Swarovski provides new opportunities to work together with customers.
Co-creation, rapid prototyping and representation are all catered for in this state-of-the-art production facility.
A large open staircase also serves as a meeting point, reflecting the building’s design fexilibity.
Daylight enters through the building’s sides, but also its ceiling.
INFORMATION
For more information, see the Snøhetta website
-
Audi launches AUDI, a China-only sub-brand, with a handsome new EV conceptThe AUDI E previews a new range of China-specific electric vehicles from the German carmaker’s new local sub-brand
-
Inside Izza Marrakech: A new riad where art and bohemian luxury meetHonouring the late Bill Willis’ hedonistic style, Izza Marrakech fuses traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with the best of contemporary art
-
Clocking on: the bedside analogue timepieces that won’t alarm your aestheticWe track down the only tick-tocks that matter, nine traditional alarm clocks that tell the time with minimum fuss and maximum visual impact
-
Omaha’s Joslyn Art Museum's newest addition effortlessly complements the institution’s existing complexThe third addition to Joslyn Art Museum is designed by Snøhetta, which opted for voluminous common spaces and illuminating atriums
-
Tour this waterfront Norwegian summer house in pristine natureCabin Lillesand by architect, Lund Hagem respects and enhances its natural setting in the country's south
-
Kunstsilo sees a functionalist grain silo transformed into Norway’s newest art galleryKunstsilo’s crisp modern design by Mestres Wåge with Spanish firms Mendoza Partida and BAX Studio transforms a listed functionalist grain silo into a sleek art gallery
-
Aarestua Cabin brings old Norwegian traditions into the 21st centuryAarestua Cabin by Gartnerfuglen is a modern retreat with links to historical Norwegian traditions, and respect for its environment
-
Beijing City Library is an otherworldly escape from the digital worldBeijing City Library by Snøhetta is a flowing, welcoming space to share knowledge and socialise
-
Pioneering tablet maker reMarkable’s Oslo headquarters is a space for ‘better thinking’reMarkable’s Oslo head office, featuring areas to retreat, ruminate and collaborate, is a true workspace of the future
-
This Norway cabin was designed as a minimalist, coastal escapeThis Norway cabin by Erling Berg is made of local timber that frames its scenic Risør views through large openings and outdoor areas, creating a cool summer escape
-
This Oslo house is a suburban cabin in the woodsAn Oslo house designed like a retreat, Villa Nikkesmelle by Gartnerfuglen, offers the perfect balance between urban and rural
