World of Volvo

Situated in Gothenburg’s event district, World of Volvo unites Volvo Cars and Volvo Group in a 22,000 m² circular experience center. Three timber “tree trunks” support a forest-like canopy, guiding visitors through exhibitions, cultural events, and outdoor terraces. Oak floors, glulam and CLT reference Sweden’s timber heritage. The building integrates with the surrounding landscape, offering visitors a seamless connection to nature, freedom of movement and daylight-filled spaces for enjoying culture, education and public engagement.

World of Volvo is a landmark experience center that unites two iconic brands while embodying Swedish values of openness, inclusion, and connection to nature. Guided by metaphors of “tree” and “mountain,” the design creates immersive, flexible spaces that allow visitors to move freely, explore exhibitions, and engage with the surrounding landscape both indoors and on accessible roof terraces. A key challenge was realizing these ambitious, large-scale timber forms while maintaining open, flowing interiors filled with natural light. Solutions combined close collaboration with engineers and manufacturers, careful rationalization of timber geometry, column spacing, and roof curvature, resulting in a space that balances structural performance, functional flexibility, and a compelling, nature-inspired visitor journey that celebrates both Volvo’s heritage and Sweden’s natural environment.

The structure combines glulam timber, cross-laminated timber floors, steel, and concrete. Three tree-trunk-like glulam cores carry roof loads across large, open interiors, creating adaptable spaces for exhibitions, events, and circulation for up to 1,100 visitors. Timber was sourced locally (CLT) and from Austria (glulam), with oak floors and pine/spruce finishes reflecting Swedish tradition. Free-form geometry was rationalized to align with timber capacities, column spacing, and roof curvature, creating a forest-like spatial experience. The design showcases craftsmanship at an unprecedented scale, reduces embodied carbon compared with conventional construction, and integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Maintenance focuses on timber care, modular exhibition fittings, and façade inspection to ensure durability and long-term performance.