Neither a factory nor an office building this freestanding pavilion introduces a new typology to the factory campus. Urbanistically, the new restaurant helps to complete the entrance courtyard spatially. Formally, its crystalline pentagon plan is a continuation of the crystalline ground plans of the new (existing) office building it is adjacent to. This structure is low lying and integrated closely with the campus landscape.
A floating roof hovers over the central dining space and mezzanine that are located in an excavated hollow. Of paramount importance is the formation of the roof. A series of studies investigated natural biological forms including leaf structures, sponges, spirals and webs. After a planning workshop with the structural engineer a preferred scheme emerged for a triangulated folded plate whose primary structure is steel. Within these triangular fields polygonal cells are inserted providing skylighting and natural ventilation.
The enclosure of the pavilion is achieved by a glass facade, which wraps around the interior spaces. A vertical barcode-like series of tapered steel fins (also mass-customized) provides support for solar glass. Sun screening is further improved by a series of rolling screens, which are stored in floor pockets. The facade posts are detailed at the head with a syringe-like connection, which allows the facade to move independently from the dynamic roof movement. Closed facades at the exterior are clad in custom-fabricated ceramic tiles: concave or convex, as a new prototype. These are colored in blue-cobalt on the exterior, white on the interior and speckled green and the tunnel entrance.
Nearly 700 seats are available during regular operation in the restaurant area and on the south-facing terrace. If necessary, the interior can be transformed into an auditorium for events with up to 800 participants.
