Henning Larsen tops World of Volvo with "forest-like canopy"

Mass-timber columns fan out to form a tree-informed roof structure at the World of Volvo exhibition and events centre in Gothenburg, Sweden, by architecture studio Henning Larsen.

Made from glued laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber (CLT), Henning Larsen created the 22,000-square-metre circular structure for Swedish manufacturers Volvo Cars and Volvo Group.

Set to open to the public on 14 April as part of Volvo's anniversary celebrations, World of Volvo contains flexible spaces to host events, talks, conferences and exhibitions that showcase the history and ethos of the brand.

Situated in Gothenburg's events district, Henning Larsen aimed to create a centre with a welcoming appearance and access to nature.

Informed by trees and the Swedish landscape, Henning Larsen clustered mass-timber columns into three tubular forms referencing tree trunks, which contain exhibition spaces and stairs leading to an upper level.

The columns rise and radiate outwards to form the overhanging roof structure, with the building enclosed by a glazed facade.

"The main timber structure forms three striking tree-trunk-like columns, fanning out to carry the entire load of the roof, enveloping visitors in a welcoming forest-like canopy," said Henning Larsen.

"World of Volvo is designed around the Swedish concept of Allemansrätten, denoting a fundamental right to nature or 'the freedom to roam', offering an open invitation to the public," added the studio's associate design director Martin Stenberg Ringner.

"The building uses the timber structure to embody the regional landscape in both form and materiality," he told Dezeen.

A wide staircase rises along the glazed facade and features deep steps for seating.

An organically shaped upper level with glazed walls punctures the circular roof. It contains exhibition space, a bar, restaurant, conference space and workspace.

Intending to create a flow between indoor and outdoor space, visitors can access a landscaped garden on the circular rooftop.

According to Ringner, the glulam structure was sourced from spruce wood from Austria and CLT timber in slabs was sourced and made in Sweden.

"There's a strong link between organic materials and organic forms," said Ringner. "We have found structural inspiration from nature and the two go hand in hand with great result."

"The metaphor of the tree is derived from Volvo's strong association with Nordic mythology, which is deeply rooted in the company's Swedish heritage," he continued.

"The tree is a powerful symbol of life, growth and connection, and this runs from the roots, through the layers of the tree and up to the treetops, which offer fresh air and views of the town of Volvo's origin, Gothenburg."

Other projects completed by Henning Larsen include an atomic-science research facility with an underground proton accelerator and a mass-timber university building on the Faroe Islands that references local historic settlements.

The photography is by Rasmus Hjortshoj.

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