Architectural firm Henning Larsen designs World of Volvo in Gothenburg, an avant-garde building for the brand’s image

Architecture firm Henning Larsen designs World of Volvo, the brand’s new 20,500 m2 museum in Gothenburg, Sweden, which integrates computational parametric design and wood as the main structural element to provide the backdrop of thriving indigenous landscapes and a warm invitation to experience the right to roam.

“Not so long ago, working with wood on this scale was hard to imagine. Our industry is really on a path of change. It is amazing that we have been able to make this project a reality, from the initial sketches, with a free form that had to be rationalised, to seeing how it has developed in construction” says Fabia Baumann, structural design engineer.

By applying a bespoke digital workflow that integrates the structural logic of timber elements, World of Volvo pushes the boundaries of large-scale timber construction.
The World of Volvo design process was based on the structural logic of timber beam elements. Taking into account their manufacturing process allowed the design to be optimised while respecting the structural capabilities of the material.

“Our aim was to give shape to something very essential to the Swedish spirit. The circular shape of the World of Volvo, the materiality of the wood, its integration with the landscape and, fundamentally, its openness: all these things are part of an essential collective identity” says Martin Stenberg Ringnér, Associate Design Director, Henning Larsen.

Right to nature

World of Volvo is designed around the Swedish concept of “Allemansrätten“, which means the fundamental right to enjoy nature and to roam freely on any terrain (public or private) with consideration for nature and for others. This principle is not only a right, but a fundamental part of the Swedish ethic and is present in people, companies and organisations, including Volvo.

The main structure, made of glulam and cross-laminated timber, forms three striking tree-trunk-like columns arranged in a mathematical pattern. Fanning out to support the full load of the roof, they envelop visitors in a cosy forest-like canopy.

The large circular structure encourages visitors to create their own routes both inside and outside, regardless of whether they have tickets for the exhibitions inside. Surrounded by a thriving landscape that extends over an accessible roof, the building embraces the landscape in form, materiality and culture, bringing a space indigenous to Swedish nature to the centre of Gothenburg.

A new way to experience the Volvo brand

Located in the heart of Gothenburg’s event district, the large and versatile spaces are ready to host cultural events, lectures and conferences, with capacity for 1,100 attendees.

Entitled A Meeting Place for a Better Future, the 4,500 m2 exhibition space offers a comprehensive journey through Volvo’s history, current innovations and vision for the future, highlighted by iconic vehicles, immersive stories and interactive exhibits, all centred on Volvo’s human-centric and future-oriented ethos.

Project: World of Volvo.
Customer: Volvo Cars and Volvo Group.
Location: Gotenburgo (Suecia).
Termination: 2023.
Inauguration: 2024.
Size: 22,500 m2.
Certifications: LEED Gold and WELL Gold.
Principal Contractor: BRA Bygg.
Architecture: Henning Larsen.
Landscaping: Henning Larsen.
Wooden structure: Ingeniería y producción Wiehag GmbH.
Wooden structure: revestimientos interiores y fachada Lindner Scandinavia AB.
Structural Engineering: Optima Engineering AB y BRA Teknik.
Landscaping contractor: BRA Mark.
Text: Henning Larsen. Translation: Exágono.

Henning Larsen

Founded in 1959 by Danish architect Henning Larsen – whose legacy of creativity and learning continues to this day – the Henning Larsen architectural practice is concerned with the complex connections that link their built environment, ecological systems and societies at large. They work in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and interior design, paying particular attention to detail without ever losing sight of the bigger picture. This is what enables them to manifest lasting change as they co-create, innovate and cultivate desirable futures through design. With over 600 professionals, its design community is spread across studios in eight countries.

His work has been recognised with numerous international awards and some of the profession’s highest honours. These include the Imperiale Premium Architecture Award, the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award and the European Architect of the Year Award 2019. Other more recent awards include the ULI Asia Pacific Award for Excellence 2021 and recognition as one of Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2023.

Leading its global design community are CEO Mette Kynne Frandsen and Global Market Director Jacob Kurek. Both form its executive leadership and have a three-decade career at Henning Larsen. Each, in their own way, has been instrumental in the growth and success of the studio over the years.

In 2019, Henning Larsen joins forces with Ramboll Group to drive the joint ambition to pioneer the sustainable design solutions of the future. To meet the challenges of the future, they believe that thinking, working and innovating across disciplines has never been more essential. With their shared Nordic heritage, their focus on knowledge and social responsibility, and their mission to create sustainable societies where people and nature thrive, they believe that the brightest future will be the one we shape together.

Project by Henning Larsen