Ahead of the 2017 federal election, the CDU opened the ‘#fedidwgugl Haus’ – a walk-through election manifesto – at the Jandorf department store in Berlin. Based on the creative concept developed by the Jung von Matt agency, POOLgroup handled the technical and organisational aspects of the interactive installation.

The CDU wanted not only to present its government programme, but also to bring it to life. In four themed rooms – covering topics ranging from family to the economy to Europe – visitors were able to experience politics interactively. The aim was to present the content in a clear and accessible way, engaging all the senses – a far cry from traditional election campaign staging.

As the main contractor, POOLcrew took charge of the entire technical and construction implementation: lighting, sound, media technology & IT, set and exhibition stand construction, event infrastructure, content modules, event design, logistics and production management. Interactive experience zones were designed to bring abstract themes to life – including an integrated robot and digital interfaces that allowed visitors to experience the election manifesto in a playful way.

At the same time, the POOLgroup contributed its conceptual expertise. Together with the creative agency, they developed guiding principles and storylines, worked out the event and experience design, and defined the spatial scenography. Visual identity, mood boards, key visuals and CI adaptations for the event – including renderings and visualisations – ensured that the brand experience remained consistent across all areas.

On this basis, the POOLgroup took charge of feasibility studies and project management: it was responsible for overall project management, carried out feasibility checks and budget planning, structured workflow and process planning, and developed the technical plans. The process of obtaining and coordinating the necessary permits for the use, conversion and operation of the venue was also managed centrally.

During the production, the POOLcrew combined overall project and production management with meticulously planned set and stage construction. The on-site technical implementation, event logistics, participant management and hospitality services for guests and those involved were all orchestrated from a single source. Finally, the live direction and showcalling ensured that all content, interactions and movements within the space took place at the right time and in the right place.

A particular highlight was the ‘Heart of the Economy’ – a five-metre-high, seemingly floating heart that pulsed in the middle of the room. There were also spaces such as ‘Cyber-Hero’ and ‘Youropa’, which opened up additional layers of experience via digital interfaces and their own app. Politics was thus not merely explained, but staged as a walk-through experiential world.

The ‘interactive election manifesto’ combined politics, exhibition design and event architecture in a new way. Close collaboration between the creative agency, the CDU and POOLcrew resulted in a format that made the content understandable, accessible and engaging – and attracted significant media attention in the weeks leading up to the federal election.