Audi commissioned MEAN*, an innovative Dubai-based architecture practice, to design the Hub to reflect their brand ethos of “ Vorsprung durch Technik ” or Advancement through Technology and to reflect the theme of this year’s Audi Design Award; ‘Connections’. Starting with a line – the simplest geometry used to connect two bodies – MEAN* envisaged a curved structure sweeping in space, bridging exterior and interior spaces, woven with connecting lines. MEAN* worked with generative design tools and digital manufacturing as well as aluminum, galvanized steel, tensile cables and recycled rubber from car tires to build the structure as a spatial innovation apparatus that pushes the boundaries of structural and architectural design. The CNC-bent steel pipe structural elements provide a guided path for tensile cables to connect through, generating a volumetric space as well as adding to the synergetic structural hybrid. These straight lines rotate through weaving, overlapping and connecting to generate an animated effect of streamlined dynamism, expressed through the overlapping of the lines, commonly known as the ‘Moire ́’ Effect’. The intention is to provoke the animated experience of a road trip, as the visitor walks around the pavilion.
photography by © Dennis Wierenga
The design features a symmetrical architectural and structural layout that recalls the balanced nature of the contemporary automobile. The mechanically fixed structure is identical on both halves of the central symmetry line, for ease of fabrication, assembly, and reassembly. The central spine of the space features an arched covering, fitted with generative lighting patterns that resemble symmetrical constellations. The brightly lit, digitally manufactured structure, is a white contrast to the black matte rubber surface manufactured and supplied by Bee’ah, which covers the façade of the structure. The material, made from reconstituted vehicle tires, has been recycled into an environmentally conscious and efficient building material. Fitted with space for the latest Audi A7 to be showcased, an area for talks as well as a space for refreshment and gathering. Space provided the venue for the week-long program of Audi Innovation Talks, showcase space for two of the latest Audi models, and the winner of the annual Audi Innovation Award.
photography by © Dennis Wierenga
AUDI INNOVATION HUB – DUBAI DESIGN WEEK 2018
Project Name: Audi Innovation Hub / Dubai Design Week 2018
Architect or Architecture Firm: MEAN* Middle East Architecture Network
Completion Year: 2018
Built Area (m2 or sqft): 165 sqm
Project Location: Between buildings 9 & 10 at Dubai Design District, Dubai, UAE
Photographer: © Dennis Wierenga, Tushar Naik and Jalal Abuthina
Lead Architect: Riyad Joucka
Team: Yara Manla, Rasha Saffarini, Kavya Chandrasekar, Stephie Moukarzel, Wael Nasrallah
MANUFACTURERS / PRODUCTS
Client: Audi Middle East
Contractor: Metal Fabrik
Lighting: debbas Group
Robotically 3D Printed Furniture: Nagami Exterior Cladding: Bee’ah
Organizer: Dubai Design Week Event Management: Avantgarde
