The design concept to create a trade fair interior pavilion for the presentation of ENLIGHTENED^TM Swarovski Elements gemstone brand at the BASELWORLD Watch and Jewellery Show 2008 is based on translating the fascination exerted by a gem into a magical and sensual three-dimensional experience. The form of the space follows the logic of the folded faceted structure, which originally derived from the need to conceal the extremely restrictive and rather banal geometry of the existing outer tent construction and ultimately took the shape of a cut gem. The structure itself is composed of a pneumatic membrane divided into inflated facets. Animated lighting and sound design transformed the space into a spacious free-flowing subtle visual, acoustic and tactile spatial experience. VMA’s long-term creative partner, the British graphic designer Neville Brody/Research Studios, devised a series of animated graphics that highlight and enhance the key elements of Swarovski’s new brand while harmonising completely with the unique luminescent space created by VMA’s gradually alternating lighting cycles. Expertise in the area of new materials as well as the integrative approach to the lighting and multimedia components helped the VMA designers to reinterpret the archetypical idea of a crystal creating an expressive and iconic brand space.

Ambient Gem - Swarovski Baselworld

Ambient Gem - Swarovski Baselworld

Ambient Gem - Swarovski Baselworld

Ambient Gem - Swarovski Baselworld

Data:
Client: D. Swarovski & Co. / Enlightened Swarovski TM
Category: Corporate Architecture / Trade Fair Design
Time period: 01.04.–10.04.2008
Design team VMA: Stuart A. Veech, Mascha Veech-Kosmatschof, Peter Mitterer
Animated graphics: Neville Brody/Research Studios, London

Structural design: Werkraum Wien Engineers

Lighting/Sound: Gahrens & Battermann
Lighting concept: Stuart A. Veech
Photos: © Mag. Eveline Tilley-Tietze and Stuart A. Veech