Kulturista - Cultural Experiences in West Sweden

C U LT U R E E X P E R I E N C E S I N W E S T S W E D E N 5 K U LT U R U P L E V L S R I V Ä S T S V E R I G E in Gothenburg. The concept is clearly recognizable: simple, functional and adapted to Swedish nature. The design team for the new XC60 model literally went to the sea looking for inspi- ration, and found it in the grain of driftwood that was used as a pattern for certain wooden panels in the car. You can see the whole of the Volvo group’s evolution over the decades at the Volvo Museum in Gothenburg. There you will also find Artille- riet, one of the country’s top boutiques when it comes to design and interiors. Gert Wingårdh is an architect who is not afraid to stick his neck out. Some of his award-winning works are found here, including Universeum and Kuggen at Lindholmen Science Park. Kuggen’s unique design and smart photovoltaic solutions make the Chalmers building into a real friend of the earth, as well as being one of the most photographed buildings in the city. N AT U R A L A R C H I T E C T U R E Another example of wonderful architecture that attracts interna- tional interest is the Naturum Victoriahuset next to the baroque mansion of Läckö, on the south banks of lake Vänern, not far from Lidköping. With its motley wood-strip façade, inspired by the light, airy reeds and raw driftwood of the Vänern archipelago, this beau- tiful building almost disappears into its natural surroundings. Sweden has not been at war for the past 200 years. We have a wel- fare state that was designed to be functional. Our progressive social values have given rise to paternity leave, scheduled coffee breaks at work and an unusually strong confidence in government agencies. We also have the right of public access to land, which brings us closer to nature than any other country. The products we design are intended to be used many times and show a deep respect for nature, rather than being kept behind glass or put on a pedestal. Wood, glass and metals are just a few of the materials used for created objects - taken from nature and put to good use. These aspects have all helped to make Swedish design what it is: stylish, unadorned, and functionally integrated. There is a natural balance in our design. Not so strange really, in this little country of moderation. V O LV O I N S P I R E D B Y D R I F T W O O D! It’s clear that the unique natural environment in this part of the country is behind many a great success story. Several of Sweden’s largest design exporters come from West Sweden, perhaps the best-known being Volvo. The company has attracted world-wide attention for design ever since 1927, when the first Volvo car rolled out of the factory