The Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart showcases our commitment to innovative, research-driven design through its unique internal smoke extract tornado, which addresses critical safety challenges.

To ensure occupant safety, we undertook extensive research into airflow dynamics and fire safety within the museum's unique architectural space. This research involved detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and fire safety engineering analysis to model smoke behavior and understand its potential impact on evacuation routes.

This research led to the design of a novel "tornado" smoke elimination system. In case of fire, smoke is extracted from the open gallery spaces into a central void and then released via 144 strategically placed air nozzles at the top of the atrium. This innovative approach leverages the building's geometry to create a natural updraft, effectively pulling smoke upwards and out of the building, providing a clear evacuation path for occupants while minimising the need for traditional mechanical smoke extraction methods. The resulting "tornado" is 34.43 metres (~113 feet) tall and contains approximately 28 tons of air, taking just seven minutes to fully form. By transforming research insights into actionable strategies, the Mercedes-Benz Museum demonstrates how innovative engineering can enhance building safety, whilst retaining the architectural vision.