fbpx
Close

Sustainable showcase

Countries from around the world are building stunning, sustainable pavilions to showcase themselves.

Expo Dubai 2020

The countdown clock is well and truly ticking, with the start of Expo 2020 Dubai now less than one year away.

More than 25 million visitors are expected to attend the historic first-ever World Expo to be staged in the Middle East, with 173 days of memorable experiences lined up from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021.

Stunning pavilions are being designed and built as countries from around the globe come together under the theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ on a 4.38-square kilometre site located next to Al Maktoum International Airport.

And as well as some 190 national pavilions there are also three pavilions that showcase the sub-themes of the event – Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.

Terra, Sustainability Pavilion has been designed by UK-based Grimshaw Architects to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification – the highest available accreditation for sustainable architecture.

One of the major focal points of the entire Expo exhibition, it includes a stunning 35-metre-tall core structure with some 8000 square metres of exhibition space, an auditorium, courtyard and reservoir.

The design draws inspiration from complex natural processes such as photosynthesis, while the structure will also capture fresh water from humid air, as a 130-metre-wide canopy featuring more than 2800 solar panels draws enough energy from the sun over a year to drive an electric car halfway to Mars, or to charge more than 900,000 mobile phones.

Energy ‘trees’ that rotate to face the sun surround the pavilion, while further sustainable design elements include innovative irrigation techniques such as a grey water recycling system and extensive landscaping with local flora from the United Arab Emirates being planted to reduce water use.

Andrew Whalley, Deputy Chairman of Grimshaw, said: “When we were approached to put forward ideas for the sustainability pavilion, we were very aware of the very challenging environment that it would be placed within.

“In many ways we saw this as an incredible opportunity to demonstrate what can be achieved, even in a hot and arid environment. If you can create a truly sustainable pavilion in that environment then you can replicate that type of thinking anywhere.

“The pavilion at first glance looks quite simple but it’s actually the result of a fairly complex design process of analysis and exploration, looking at structural form and the shape of the pavilion’s roof, and the performance criteria of the environmental systems placed within it.”

John Bull, Director of the Sustainability Pavilion, said: “Terra will be a stirring, and at times emotional, experience as visitors come face-to-face with the significance of their individual choices.

“We hope they will emerge with a new perspective that inspires millions of people of all ages to take action in their own lives, as we all come together to welcome a better future.”

The pavilion will have a long-term legacy as it is scheduled to have a second life as a science centre after the conclusion of Expo Dubai 2020.

The Latest

Highlights of the Biennale Architettura 2025

We shine a light on the pavilions from the Arab world at the Venice Architecture Biennale, on display until Sunday 23 November 2025

Read ‘Bold Design’ – Note from the editor – July/August 2025

Read identity magazine's July/August 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy at the newsstands.

Things to Covet in June 2025

Elevate your spaces with a pop of colour through these unique pieces

Designing Spaces with Purpose and Passion

We interview Andrea Savage from A Life By Design – Living & Branding on creating aesthetically beautiful and deeply functional spaces

Craft and Finesse

EMKAY delivers a bold and intricate fit-out by transforming a 1,800 sqm space into SUSHISAMBA Abu Dhabi, a vibrant multi-level dining experience

An Impressive Entrance

The Synua Wall System by Oikos offers modularity and style

Drifting into Summer

Perennials unveils the Sun Kissed collection for 2025

The Fold

Architect Rabih Geha’s collaboration with Iwan Maktabi

AYESHA ERKIN

From Floorplans to Foodscapes

For Ayesha Erkin, architecture was never just about buildings, but about how people live, eat, gather and remember

deos mykonos

Between Sea and Sky

Cycladic heritage, heartfelt hospitality and contemporary design converge on Deos Mykonos, designed by GM Architects

A Fresh Take on ’70s Style

Curved shapes and colourful artworks bring vibrancy to this contemporary home with mesmerising nature views