Swarovski Kristallwelten
Three elements for the expansion of Swarovski Crystal Worlds
2014–2015
Introduction
Swarovski Kristallwelten (Swarovski Crystal Worlds) first opened in 1995 and since then the touristic destination has become one of Austria's most popular attractions with an average of 600,000 visitors annually. On the occasion of the Tyrolean family-owned company's 120 year anniversary in 2015, Snøhetta was commissioned to take part in the expansion leading up to the grand re-opening of the Swarovski Kristallwelten.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds has put together a team of three architectural firms, including CAO PERROT, s_o_s architekten, and Snøhetta. Snøhetta has contributed with three main elements to the expansion; a playtower and adjacent playground, a shop entrance, and a café and restaurant area.
Technical details
Swarovski Kristallwelten
Photos by Gerhard Berger
Snøhetta, CAO PERROT and s_o_s architekten have crafted a design and formal language of truly poetic tenor, which will mesmerize our visitors. The forces behind this international network of creative talents have engaged in a dialog with the uniqueness of this location. The rich abundance of facets that embody the Swarovski brand is reflected by the architecture of the new Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
Carla Rumler Cultural Director at Swarovski
Photo: David Schreyer
2 Playtower
With the goal of having the expanded Swarovski Kristallwelten appealing to all visitors' senses, with a particular focus on children, a new building typology has emerged in this project. Situated in the south end of the garden, the 20 meter tall playtower will foster a wide range of playing experiences on four vertically arranged levels, creating an innovative experience of space. Here children can explore and play, and amongst other things, climb freely in a 14 meter one-of-a-kind climbing net.
The tower's façade consists of 160 crystal facets, where no two are alike. The panels are printed with an innovative pattern made from millions of tiny motifs that are linked to the history of Swarovski. The view from inside to the outside is visible at all times, just as the activities on the inside always can be seen from the outside. At night, the structure presents a spectacular body of light that magically enhances the reflections of the surrounding Crystal Cloud and Mirror Pool.
Photo: Patrick Lüth
Photo: Gerhard Berger
Photos by David Schreyer (including photo at the top)
3 Café Daniels
The café and restaurant area is formed as a pavilion that is embedded into the garden – organically shaped concrete structure framing the views into the surrounding landscape. Gently swinging pillars and ceilings accentuate the impression of form and light. The bright surfaces and the material, set with Swarovski Crystals, produce an effect that is beyond compare.
4 Light tunnel
The newly designed shop entrance is crafted as a fascinating installation of light and sound - an emotional and virtual time travel. Kilometers of glowing fibers from a spiral-shaped tunnel lead the visitors into the New shopping area and an interactive sound installation expands the Space With an additional acoustic dimension.
Photo: Patrick Lüth
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