#1: Architecture & Materials

What is the idea behind the impressive architecture?
To what extent does it contribute to the sustainable and largely CO2-neutral orientation of the overall concept?

Ben Balon
Engineer EDEKA Minden-Hannover:
The idea of architecture with a series of gabled roofs was born from the fact that we wanted to fulfil the operational requirements to the best possible extent with timber construction. This resulted in the smallest possible number of columns, also to keep the building as simple as possible. For example, there is no movable sun protection either inside or outside. Instead, we opted for self-darkening glazing. The façade, like the architecture as a whole, is even, compact and down-to-earth.

Christian Dorfmann
EDEKA retailer and Managing Director of EDEKA Nauen:
The impressive timber construction gives the entire store an invaluable feel-good character.

Markus Peer
Head of PCM Worldwide:
An entire building in timber construction is not commonplace in the food industry. The EDEKA Future Market in Nauen stands out and makes a clear statement in favor of sustainability. This is also reflected in the shopfitting and the entire interior design, where transparency was integrated for the basic fit-out. For example, lattice rear walls were used instead of closed rear walls. The market feel also benefits from the natural environment - despite the focus on reducing to the bare essentials, the product is always the center of attention and is put center stage.

The working title for the future store is "Less is more".  
To what extent was this taken into account when selecting materials and which materials were used for the shop design?

Interstore / JDV:

The starting point for the furniture and interior design was to leave out all materials that were of no value from a commercial or functional point of view. We were looking for an aesthetic that emphasised the visual implications of flexibility and modular design. In addition to the premise of "keep it simple", we are experimenting with the use of circular materials (e.g. plates made from coffee waste) and using second-hand objects where possible, such as in the lighting in the seating area of the "Dorfmann's Hofladen".

Furthermore, there are 3D elements that are part of the communication framework in the store and help the customers navigate through the different worlds. Rather than working with flat 2D text we have created patterns with embedded printed text. Since the material is flexible it can be folded like a fabric around our supporting structure. In this way we create big visual impact with very little material.

For the main navigation of the departments we created some highlights which are suspended in the space. The base for this is a conical steel frame, which is wrapped with a 3D printed structure. The three dimensional shapes create strong visual statements in a very simple and still transparent way. The printed graphics can be taken back at the end of their lifespan and can be fully recycled into new 3D printed elements.