Curated by ArchiRev Editorial | Feature Story | Published June 9th, 2026 | Source: Snøhetta
Typologies: Workspace & Production Facility
Themes: Architecture, Industry, Workplace, Sustainability
Status: Realised
Location: Chengdu, China
Year: 2016–2019
Surface: 34,000 m²
Client: Polestar AB
Polestar Production Facility designed by Snøhetta breaks all stereotypes related to factory architecture. The 34,000 square meters facility is a headquarters and production factory built for Polestar, an electric performance automobile brand, located in Chengdu, China. Instead of creating different departments where production, development, and public experience would operate separately, all these activities are combined into one entity with humans playing a central role in the industrial process.
Exterior view of the Polestar Production Facility showing the curved black steel façade emerging from the landscape © Snøhetta
Upon first impression, it is clear that the building’s fluid form contrasts with the uniform structures typical of many manufacturing complexes worldwide. In its design, the architecture draws inspiration from motion and performance art in order to celebrate the spirit of the auto industry while simultaneously forging an identity for the company’s new electric car line. A curving black steel shell covers the entirety of the building, adding energy to its exterior as well as integrating the architectural space into the surrounding landscape.
Hidden within this exterior is an idea of openness. The building was designed according to an interactive model in which the various departments that are usually separated from one another were able to work together. Designers, engineers, production staff, researchers, management teams, clients, and even guests can access portions of the shared workspace.
Aerial view showing the relationship between the production halls, office areas, landscape, and visitor facilities © Snøhetta
A glazed centre atrium, which doubles up as a courtyard for all, serves as the focal point of the design. Rather than serving purely as a passageway, this atrium becomes a social hub, connecting the various departments within and establishing a community identity. The building gets ample daylight, making artificial lighting minimal and enhancing the overall work experience.
Transparency is carried throughout the manufacturing spaces. Large windows look out onto the lush vegetation around the building while bringing natural light into the manufacturing spaces. Clean and well-lit interiors create an environment more reminiscent of an advanced research lab than a typical industrial space.
Interior view of the glazed atrium connecting offices, production spaces, and communal areas © Snøhetta
An essential characteristic of the facility is its involvement in the public outreach campaign. Typically, manufacturing processes are out of the way of regular people, but Polestar Production Facility aims at inviting people to observe its activities. After entering the building, visitors may proceed through the “visitor loop” located on the mezzanine level above the production area. This elevated road allows visitors to see not only production and exhibitions but also various departments and thus makes this place not just a facility but also an interesting attraction.
This particular manufacturing plant not only offers a visit for tourists but also incorporates additional facilities. For example, there is a customer experience centre on the grounds as well as a test track where potential customers can experience the performance of the cars. Overall, this makes this production facility even more appealing in terms of the brand image and interaction with the public.
Visitor loop overlooking the production floor with views across manufacturing operations © Snøhetta
Sustainability forms an integral part of the building. Bicycles parking and charging station of electric cars will promote cleaner means of transport, whereas the energy efficient solution of ventilation, drainage, and management of water reduces the effect of the building on nature. The construction of the facility was made based on the principles of energy conservation and durability, thus it includes materials like steel, stainless steel, and concrete.
There is also a great concern about the well-being of the employees. The garden, outdoor conference room, and other shared spaces create possibilities for communication and leisure in the workplace. Such approach allows for a better balance in the work environment, proving that industry architecture can have a positive effect on the working process.
Exterior courtyard and landscaped gathering spaces connecting different departments © Snøhetta
The Polestar Production Facility, completed in 2019, signifies a major paradigm shift in the design of manufacturing facilities. The design, created by Snøhetta, no longer views manufacturing processes in isolation but rather establishes an ecosystem that brings together innovation, collaboration, sustainability, and community involvement within the same environment. This creates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that embodies the ethos of the modern automobile manufacturer.
Evening view of the illuminated facility highlighting the curved façade and central atrium © Snøhetta