When Volkswagen unveiled its new Audi TT model in Beijing, it put on a dazzling and immersive display, surrounding the audience with bright lights and projecting dramatic visuals onto the walls around them – walls on which the cars themselves raced in time to the graphics and soundtrack!
This race track was a cleverly designed, 300 metre, 360 ° circular surface placed within the Beijing Crab Island International Convention Center and used as both a backdrop for the show’s audiovisual elements as well as a platform on which the vehicles could drive around at speeds of 60km/h.
How do you create an indoor race track?
Flowcrete China worked closely with the car brand to create a fit-for-purpose surface for the track. 1,500m2 of the epoxy system Rustik in a light grey colour was used for the project, as the robust nature of this system would be able to withstand the movement of the multiple vehicles driving across it.
A Rustik floor incorporates colourful natural stones in clear epoxy resin to deliver an attractive, durable and slip resistant finish. Its seamless, colour consistent nature meant that the video, graphics and light show could be combined with the cars themselves in a captivating display that showcased the identity and ethos of the Audi TT range while allowing the audience to experience the cars in motion from the comfort of a conference centre.
However the design and creation of this backdrop threw up several complex challenges, which required a large team of experts to overcome. The Flowcrete China office’s specialists had to ensure that its natural stone carpet system could be applied onto a surface with an average gradient of 60 ° and which at points is practically vertical. Getting the aggregate mix right and laying from the bottom up was the key to solving this issue.
The installation work itself threw up several problems that Flowcrete China’s approved applicator team had to overcome. This included cross construction on site, working in an enclosed space, poor ventilation and the need to work 12 hour days in hot weather to meet the strict deadline.
It took ten days to lay the Rustik floor and, to ensure that the finish met Volkswagen’s exacting standards, inspectors made regular checks on the track’s progress and quality. Our Flowcrete China team were committed to creating a high-quality finish as, like Audi, we recognise how important it is that every element looks and performs exceptionally – especially during events such as this when the eyes of the world are focusing on you!
To see how Audi TT utilised bespoke, interior tracks to showcase its new generation of cars, in combination with a display of swirling galaxies, complex geometric patterns and 3D blueprints at global launch events, click here to see a short video of Audi’s Frankfurt unveiling.
