BMW Messestand, Frankfurt am Main
BMW Messestand, Frankfurt am Main
For the unveiling of the new BMW seven series at the IAA 2001 in Frankfurt/Main, the Frankfurt-based architecture office ABB/Bernhard Franken developed a pavilion with a futuristic look. The idea behind the design of the “Dynaform” was to “accelerate” the space around the cars on display.
The entire planning and implementation of the expressive structure was supported by computers: fillet pipes were invisibly bolted to box girders cut with computer-controlled lasers and connected to a common surface at the exhibition level. Some 700 tons of steel for the support structure were distributed across a length of 130 metres: 15 Dynaframes, countless fillet pipes and two levels for offices and the Dynafloor. The free form of the Dynaframes comprised more than 600 individual parts, each of them unique. Ninety individual elements were welded together from these parts and assembled on-site to create 15 frames.
Due to the complexity of the Dynaform a membrane shell was planned from the outset. The longitudinal sides of the steel structure are covered with 6,600 m2 of membrane made of PVC-coated polyester material.
The entire planning and implementation of the expressive structure was supported by computers: fillet pipes were invisibly bolted to box girders cut with computer-controlled lasers and connected to a common surface at the exhibition level. Some 700 tons of steel for the support structure were distributed across a length of 130 metres: 15 Dynaframes, countless fillet pipes and two levels for offices and the Dynafloor. The free form of the Dynaframes comprised more than 600 individual parts, each of them unique. Ninety individual elements were welded together from these parts and assembled on-site to create 15 frames.
Due to the complexity of the Dynaform a membrane shell was planned from the outset. The longitudinal sides of the steel structure are covered with 6,600 m2 of membrane made of PVC-coated polyester material.
In contrast to standard practice, the PVC-PES membrane material was stretched only in one direction, i.e. in longitudinal across the pavilion, over the steel structure. The transversal stretching of the membrane would have deformed it in three dimensions, and the resulting bulges in the surface would have contradicted the architectural idea of “acceleration”. The two faces are closed off with negative pressure cushions made from 1,500 m2 of transparent ETFE foil and white PVC polyester material. A vacuum blower reduces the air pressure in the pillow, creating an inwardly vaulted façade that curves twice in the same direction. The short time between order placement and completion posed a particular challenge. Planning, manufacturing and final assembly had to be completed in less than eight months.
