Exhibition Level Green – the concept of sustainability by J. Mayer H. Architects
sponsibility in the sustainable use of global resources continues to play an increasingly important role in the life of the average consumer. In this context, the offices of J. MAYER H. Architects and Art+Com Berlin developed a permanent exhibition for the Autostadt in Wolfsburg.
The exhibition LEVEL GREEN was opened on the 4th of June 2009 and encompasses approximately 1000 m2, the exhibition renders this highly complex topic tangible, providing for an aesthetic access to information. In so doing, it seeks to unfold the various aspects of the topic while creating an information environment that addresses the visitor on different sensual levels.
Personal responsibility in the sustainable use of global resources continues to play an increasingly important role in the life of the average consumer. In this context, the offices of J. MAYER H. Architects and Art+Com Berlin were commissioned to develope a permanent exhibition on the topic sustainability for the Autostadt in Wolfsburg, Germany. The exhibition LEVEL GREEN was opened on the 4th of June 2009 and encompasses approximately 1000 m2, the exhibition renders this highly complex topic tangible, providing for an aesthetic access to information. In so doing, it seeks to unfold the various aspects of the topic while creating an information environment that addresses the visitor on different sensual levels.
The Autostadt’s exhibition LEVEL GREEN examines three aspects of sustainability – the environment, society and the economy - and brings the everyday interaction between these components together in an artistic installation. The design displays the content in an interactive and playful way, stimulating the visitor’s curiosity about the subject of sustainability.
The exhibition, situated on the first floor of the Volkswagen GroupForum in the Autostadt, on approximately 1 000 m², offers 25 exhibits from which to explore the theme of sustainability. The visitor is led to discover the areas in which she/he can become an active participant.
Sustainability is one of Volkswagen’s core values and a long-term policy. “Sustainability at Volkswagen” illustrates this specific approach. The focal points in this area are sustainable mobility and responsibility: presented in this area are drive-train and energy strategies, car life-cycle assessment and research into traffic congestion.
“Sustainability and the economy“ presents points of view held by prominent business people, politicians and environmentalists. This area clearly shows that companies with global interests have a great responsibility when it comes to implementing sustainable development.
In the area “Personal use“, the visitor discovers more about how they personally affect the usage of resources, the “Effects of Climate Change” and “Mobility Concepts for the Future” are also presented within the exhibition.
How big is your “Ecological Footprint”? An interactive installation allows each visitor to compare the impact she/he has on the planet with the German average. For instance if everyone on earth consumed resources at the average level for Germany, we would require 2,5 “earths” to absorb the environmental impact.
The Autostadt’s CEO, Otto Wachs, comments: “Each one of us can contribute to sustainable living. If you are aware that 16 000 litres water are needed in the production of one kilogram of beef, then perhaps you will ask yourself whether from time to time a vegetarian meal wouldn’t do just as well?” He continues: “We would like to draw attention to the potential there is for sustainable action in everyday life”.
That there are many aspects to sustainability which are interwoven, is mirrored in LEVEL GREEN’s architectonic concept. The architectural firm J. Mayer H. of Berlin developed the concept utilizing the green recycling symbol of three arrows as a starting point, they created a net-like structure, rather like a sculpture, which draws the content of the exhibition into an integral whole.
During the construction of LEVEL GREEN, the Autostadt made use of C02-neutral -and recycled materials as far as possible. In addition, when it came to the surface area and lacquering of the architectural components, the same high standard of quality that is used in the production of Volkswagen vehicles, was implemented.
Since its inception the Autostadt, as the Volkswagen Group’s communication’s platform, has engaged with themes and values which are fundamental to responsible business practice e.g. environmental protection or social responsibility. Since 2006 these fall under the heading of sustainability. Together with external partners, this theme is continually being developed.
Client: Autostadt GmbH, Wolfsburg
Site: Volkswagen GroupForum, 1st Floor, Autostadt, Wolfsburg
Architect: J. MAYER H. Architects, Berlin
Scenography and Mediadesign: Art+Com, Berlin
Photos: Uwe Walter, Berlin
