Dezeen Magazine

Nestlé's first factory transformed into interactive exhibition space

Dutch design agency Tinker Imagineers has created a €45-million exhibition area for Nestlé on the grounds of the food giant's first factory in Vevey, Switzerland (+ slideshow).

Nestlé family experience nest in Switzerland by Tinker imagineers

The family-orientated Nest centre is divided into five interactive zones that tell the story of Nestlé's chocolate and other foods.

Nestlé family experience nest in Switzerland by Tinker imagineers

At the centre of the facility is a large, sculptural ramp that winds through small displays, as well as a life-size tree decorated in over a thousand "flowers" made from crumpled and folded Nestlé packaging.

Nestlé family experience nest in Switzerland by Tinker imagineers

Swiss firm Concept Consult Architectes renovated the industrial heritage site, which incorporates the Nestlé factory, built in 1866, as well as the company's first offices and the old bakery.

The architects have covered the whole 6,626-square-metre area with a sloping glass roof and surrounded it with steel framework.

Nestlé family experience nest in Switzerland by Tinker imagineers

The centre hosts a two-storey miniature museum, which includes historic products and a prototype for the first Nespresso machine.

Nestlé family experience nest in Switzerland by Tinker imagineers

Encouraging visitors to find out more about nutrition and health, interactive installations at Nest include a table set up with miniature figurines that younger guests can play with.

Nestlé family experience nest in Switzerland by Tinker imagineers

The central atrium of the building features a large, flowing ramp that links the various areas and lights up at night in contrasting colours.

Its upper levels have wooden floors and soft seating where children can enjoy a virtual-reality experience designed to guide them through the building.

Nestlé family experience nest in Switzerland by Tinker imagineers

Tinker Imagineers worked with over a hundred Dutch designers, engineers and builders to construct the centre, which opened to visitors on 15 June 2016.

Nestlé family experience nest in Switzerland by Tinker imagineers

Nestlé opened a chocolate museum in Brazil in 2011, which featured a red glass exterior designed by Brazilian architects Metro, and before that, in 2007, a similar centre in Mexico City, designed by Rojkind Arquitectos.

Photography is by Mike Bink.