The likelihood that your next favorite basketball game unfolds atop a customizable and interactive glass floor is relatively high. Even more so, the chances that this glass marvel is crafted by ASB GlassFloor are markedly greater. In the ever-evolving world of sports and corporate architecture, innovative design elements are increasingly capturing the spotlight. One such marvel making waves is the glass floor—a feature that, while seemingly a novelty, has become a staple in high-profile arenas across the globe. Beyond illuminating sports arenas, ASB GlassFloor has plenty of tricks up its sleeves to dazzle the world. Venturing into the corporate world is just one of those clever moves.
For decades, glass floors in museums have let visitors walk through history—quite literally. In 2009, sports saw its first glass court prototype. In 2024, the world's first permanent full-LED basketball court was unveiled at BMW Park in Munich, blending dynamic visuals, player tracking, and custom graphics into the game. At the heart of ASB GlassFloor's success lies a blend of German engineering precision and the innovative spirit of visionary pioneers. The result is more than just a flooring system; it is a versatile, multi-functional solution adaptable to various settings beyond sports arenas.
ASB GlassFloor's solution excels in critical performance criteria, including shock absorption, ball rebound, slip resistance, and friction. Such meticulous attention to detail ensures that both players and audiences enjoy a superior experience. A prime example of this adaptability is evident in the new headquarters of Stadtwerke Stuttgart, where ASB GlassFloor played an important role in conveying the company's commitment to energy transition.
The project managers at Stadtwerke Stuttgart sought to create a space where visitors could experience the energy transition firsthand. The Stuttgart-based consulting agency Steilpass developed a concept for the new customer center that transforms abstract energy concepts into tangible experiences. This innovative approach extends the utility of ASB GlassFloor beyond traditional arenas, showcasing its potential in corporate environments.
From Illuminating Sport to Energizing Transitions
For years, ASB GlassFloor has been at the forefront of exploring new possibilities in sports facilities. The flexibility of their systems allows for rapid reconfiguration of layouts, enabling venues to host multiple sports with ease. This adaptability is further enhanced by advanced graphics and immersive technologies, which open doors to novel training methods and advertising opportunities. A striking example of such innovation is the waterfall display at Microsoft's headquarters in Dublin, a testament to the creative potential of LED technology.
On the other hand, in the EnergyPlaza at Stadtwerke Stuttgart's headquarters, ASB GlassFloor's technology takes on new dimensions. Visitors entering the plaza are greeted by a vast LED wall that visually narrates the company's mission towards a sustainable future. This wall, covering over 10 square meters, dynamically responds to the movement of passersby, creating an interactive dialogue between the space and its guests. Kathrin Geller from Steilpass, who led the project for the agency, explains:
Steilpass has its origins in event and sports management but has increasingly focused on strategic brand consulting in recent years. Our task was to make the customer center something special, to design it as future-oriented as the company itself. The goal was to turn consulting into an experience in the new space.
Within the EnergyPlaza lies the "Solar Lounge," another impressive installation featuring a 9-meter-wide LED wall. Here, an energy monitoring system brings the smart energy concepts of the headquarters to life by visualizing real-time energy flows. But the interaction doesn't stop at observation; the system offers interactive consultations on energy transition. Custom simulations demonstrate how urban energy transitions can be implemented, highlighting the array of products offered by the SWS group. The results of these consultations are then animated and displayed, providing an engaging and informative experience for visitors.
Expanding Horizons: From Floor to Wall to Ceilings
ASB GlassFloor's innovations extend beyond the floor, embracing the entire architectural space. In the "Solar Lounge", an interactive feature simulates sunlight and integrates with a photovoltaic (PV) module. This setup allows visitors to visually assess the suitability of their own roofs for PV installations and estimate potential energy yields. An 8 square meter LED surface on the ceiling tracks the sun's path throughout the day, enhancing the educational aspect of the exhibit. This interactive element not only informs but also empowers visitors to make informed decisions about their energy consumption.
Whether in a bustling sports arena or a forward-thinking corporate headquarters, their technology fosters environments that are both visually stunning and functionally superior. The integration of LED walls and interactive systems with glass flooring exemplifies a harmonious blend of form and function, pushing the boundaries of what modern spaces can achieve.
In an age where visual appeal and interactive experiences are paramount, the glass floor emerges not just as a design statement but as a symbol of progress. As ASB GlassFloor continues to innovate, one thing remains clear: the future of architecture and design is, quite literally, transparent.
