The concept for the new centre was to create a building that was not just about selling cars, but about encapsulating Audi’s famous strapline: ‘Vorsprung durch technik,’ (lead through technology). While the centre includes a 300-car showroom, the desire to create a contemporary experience for car buyers is met with the inclusion of a classic car museum, café with children’s play area, art gallery and 160-seat conference and events centre.

The eye catching 1,000m² south west facing glass facade is a spectacular statement in itself. The glass was chosen for its high acoustic performance, visual appeal, low energy consumption and comfort. Buro Happold undertook thorough analysis to monitor heat gain and loss, internal air movement and how to keep the glass condensation free.

Lighting was another challenge for the building services engineers, particularly in the showroom and events centre where the ceiling height is around 10m. Using standard high bay lighting was too conventional for Audi so a row of twin-lamp uplighters suspended unobtrusively across the length of the ceiling was selected. This is supplemented by metal halide spotlights on the balconies to pick out individual cars in the showroom.

Date: 2004