"ausfahrt" Autostadt Roof and Service Pavilion

Driver assistance systems, including automatic parking, traffic sign recognition and automatic distance control are becoming more common in today's cars. The new 'Ausfahrt' driving experience at the Autostadt in Wolfsburg offers guests an opportunity to try out these technical systems in models manufactured by Volkswagen. This helps to ensure safer driving in road traffic. Covering 15,000 square meters, the new driving attraction was built in ten months’ time and opened in August 2013. GRAFT was commissioned to create a quiet area where the driver could get familiar with the functions of the newly purchased car in a private atmosphere or trying out new models. The space had to be protected from rain and direct sunlight, while allowing enough daylight to avoid the usage of energetically expensive and unnecessary artificial light. Thus, GRAFT developed the idea of a horizontal leaf that protects the landscape underneath with its organic form. In the architectural application of this image, it was necessary to produce the greatest possible lightness: A special static principle allows for the unique roof structure to be anchored in just two points. It lays in the landscape and defines a clear and protected room. The planning of the structural framework was done by “schlaich bergermann partner”, WES landscape architecture integrated the project into the surrounding, Eiffel Deutschland was responsible for the construction of the roof structure. The orientation of the roof represents a welcoming gesture through its curvature. The elegant amorphous geometry of the roof structure forms an evident bridge between top and bottom, between sky and landscape. Autostadt is the world’s largest car delivery center. Within a space of 25 hectares, it offers museums, parks, and year round attractions about automobile themes. The centre by Volkswagen reflects the brand’s knowledge and presents an interface between customer and global manufacturer.