Panoorama

BMW i Solar Carport

Architectural Design

Sustainable, innovative and groundbreaking design: this is how the electric and hybrid vehicles of the BMW sub-brand BMW i have been presented since 2013. What was still missing at the launch of the BMW i8 and BMW i3, however, was a carport that exactly meets these requirements. Panoorama co-founder Julian Gerblinger took care of this challenge on behalf of BMW Designworks USA. He conceived, designed, created and was responsible for the architecture of a covered parking and loading area with a highly sustainable DNA. According to this concept, standardized, easily transportable white steel parts serve as connecting elements for raw materials of local origin. Depending on the location of the lightweight carport covered with solar panels, the steel is combined with beams made of different types of wood – for example bamboo in Asia or spruce in Germany. In this way, the concept, much like the vehicles it serves, combines two elementary characteristics: good, easily customizable design and a construction that conserves natural resources.

»According to this concept, standardized, easily transportable white steel parts serve as connecting elements for raw materials of local origin.«

Client BMW Designworks
Project management Tom Allemeier
Photos BMW Group