Snøhetta has been commissioned to take part in the expansion of the Swarovski Kristallwelten (Swarovski Crystal Worlds). Swarovski Kristallwelten 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 play tower and adjacent playground, a shop entrance, and a café and restaurant area.
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. The tower’s façade consists of 160 crystal facets, where not 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. At night, the structure presents a spectacular body of light that magically enhances the reflections of the surrounding Crystal Cloud and Mirror Pool.
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