mobiversum by J. mayer H. architects, a pedagogical playground for children
all images © uwe walter for autostadt wolfsburg
berlin-based architects of J. mayer H. collaborate with universiät osnabrück professor, renate zimmer to sculpt an ‘mobiversum’ to introduce young visitors to the theme of ‘people, cars, and what moves them’ at autostadt wolfsburg. the arboreal installation is a learning landscape that provides interventions for a diverse range of interactions that teach kids of all ages about sustainability, in correspondence with the ‘level green’ exhibition created by the architect in 2009 (see designboom’s coverage here). visitors can explore topics that vary from mobility, to ways of learning, to cooking.
mobiversum is amore organic version of ‘level green‘, also designed for the museum by J. mayer H. architects
the occupiable wooden sculpture is formed after trees with exposed roots, as in a magical forest where the imagination can run free. various levels and components – slides, stairs and netting – encourage activity and movement, as children use their individual motor skills to move freely within the space. the floral theme is intended as a metaphor for awareness of environmental protection, and the outlines are modeled after the common PET symbol.
different themes employed throughout ‘mobiversum’ intend to engage the youngsters’ curiosity, and challenge them to discover, explore and learn about their immediate environment. the hope is to then apply this knowledge to their greater context, as they grow into responsible citizens, ultimately shaping the future of our ecological, economic, and social systems.
the playful solid wood structures are reminiscent of roots and tree trunks
also at the autostadt, you can see the
the project introduces children to the subject of sustainability in all facets; from issues of mobility to joint learning
the interactive site was integrated as part of autostadt wolfsburg’s ‘people, cars, and what moves them’
the installation diversifies spatial zones with different themes, encouraging children to discover and explore
project information:
client: autostadt GmbH, wolfsburg
site: volkswagen groupforum, ground floor, autostadt, wolfsburg
architect: J. mayer H. architects, berlin
project team: juergen mayer H., christoph emenlauer, marta ramírez iglesias, simon kassner, jesko malcolm johnsson-zahn, alexandra virlan, gal gaon
project: 2012 – 2013
completion: 2013
total floor area: approx. 1600 m²
architect on site: jablonka sieber architekten, berlin
structural engineering steel construction: SFB saradschow fischedick, berlin
structural engineering wood construction: SJB.kempter.fitze AG, CH-eschenbach
building services: brandi IGH, salzgitter
light engineers: lichttransfer, berlin
general contractor: lindner objektdesign GmbH
contractor wood construction: hess timber
photos: uwe walter for autostadt wolfsburg
