Swarovski Kristallwelten (Swarovski Crystal Worlds) is one of Austria’s most sought after touristic attractions, receiving over 600 000 visits every year. To commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Austrian company, Snøhetta has been commissioned to take part in an expansion of the Kristallwelten, leading up to the grand re-opening on April 30.
photography by © Swarovski Kristallwelten
Three architectural firms, including CAO PERROT, s_o_s architekten, and Snøhetta have worked on this project, having, according to Carla Rumler, Cultural Director at Swarovski, crafted a  “design and formal language of truly poetic tenor, which will mesmerize our visitors when it opens on April 30, 2015. The forces behind this international network of creative talents have engaged in a dialog with the uniqueness of this location. The rich abundance of facets that embody the Swarovski brand is reflected by the architecture of the new Swarovski Crystal Worlds? Snøhetta have designed three main elements to this expansion; a play tower and adjacent playground, a shop entrance, and a café and restaurant area. The 20-meter high play tower hosts a wide range of playing experiences for children, distributed on four vertically arranged levels. These experiences range from trampolines to a 14 meter high climbing net.
photography by © Swarovski Kristallwelten
 
On the outside, the playground attempts to provide children not only with well-known means for playing, but al...