While the millions of visitors to the Expo site will have the opportunity to explore and experience local Emirati crafts and traditions through MENASA, many will perhaps be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. The platform’s curated and experimental approach showcases traditional crafts through a contemporary lens, which has given rise to unexpected results. By collating local, regional and international voices, what we eventually find is a collaborative spirit that highlights the power of craft as a tool for communication and cross-cultural dialogue.

“The collective approach of MENASA, which means ‘platform’ in Arabic, is inspired by the theme and spirit of Expo 2020 Dubai: ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’. By bringing together artisans and designers from the UAE and around the world, we are nurturing a rich cultural and creative dialogue that will contribute to a meaningful legacy after Expo 2020 closes its doors,” explains Dr Hayat Shamsuddin, Senior Vice President, Arts and Culture, Expo 2020 Dubai.

MENASA is divided into two main counterparts: ‘Craft Stories’ and ‘Designer of the Week’, the latter highlighting 24 UAE-based emerging and established designers as well as public and private organisations that support the local craft and design community, revealing the breadth and vibrancy of the local contemporary design scene. Each will present new collections that were especially created for MENASA, with many expanding outside their usual design practices.

‘Craft Stories’, on the other hand, presents a dialogue between local and international designers and artisans who have been invited to collaborate with and explore Emirati crafts and culture in new ways. Traditional skills and heritage merge with contemporary approaches and innovation in techniques and materials, highlighting seven crafting traditions including clay, safeefah (palm frond weaving), talli (embroidery), sadu (Bedouin weaving), gargour-making (wire-crafted fish traps), pearl diving and coffee-making.

Each craft is matched with a local and international designer as well as a design organisation in a series of collaborations that reveal a multi-faceted story of the UAE, its landscape, people, values and identity. A series of documentaries, shot on location around the UAE, further highlights these stories, offering insights into the coming together of diverse cultures through poetic narratives.

The pairing of local and international designers was done deliberately to reveal specific stories from the UAE, explains Samer Yamani, Curator, MENASA – Emirati Design Platform, Expo 2020 Dubai. The story of ‘Safeefah’, for example, is one of ‘weaving communities’, as the craft itself is identified as a communal act where (predominantly) women work together to weave various objects using palm fronds. To tell this craft story, Yamani selected Estudio Campana, who had set up the Campana Institute in the 1980s to offer creative education to marginalised children and families. The designer brothers have been paired with Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts, a non-profit organisation that empowers underprivileged women through sustainable Emirati crafts.

“Community building through creativity is a core message [here], so the selection of Estudio Campana and Al Ghadeer was not random, but [made] because they have an aspect that unites them,” Yamani shares. “I was trying to pair partners who share similar values and vision. [Here,] design becomes the tool of bringing them together, and craft becomes the medium.”

Another collaboration brings together Emirati sisters Sheikha and Afra Bin Dhaher and Rwandan artist Chris Schwagga to design a collection called ‘Safari – Barari’, inspired by the Gargour craft, that tells the story of the flora and fauna of both regions. The collection forms two parts. One part, designed by Schwagga and crafted by female artisans from Rwanda, features metal sculptures of the UAE’s oryx and the Rwandan ‘Inyambo’ royal cows – emblematic animals that symbolise beauty and prosperity across both cultures; while the second part includes accessories designed by the Bin Dhaher sisters that recreate a traditional Rwandan beadwork craft which is then wrapped around the metal-wire sculptures to resemble headdresses.

“We started by researching existing Rwandan beaded accessories to get an idea of the craft itself… then, we looked at our local flora and landscape and started gathering information on the plants that we found most interesting, visually,” the sisters share.

“From there, we began designing the patterns; each belt dedicated to a particular element (fauna or flora). Because the beadwork was based on a grid, it automatically resembled pixel art. We thought it would be very interesting to explore this further and try to make it more dynamic and break the grid, in a sense. The results were very interesting as they were re-interpreted by the artisans who did the beadwork. Whatever element they added or eliminated became part of the process.”

“[The process] was interesting since the wire used for the Gargour craft is very similar to the wire I use in the making of my sculptures in Rwanda, so it made the process easy for the artisans that came with me to execute the work,” Schwagga says.

“Our artistic universes aligned beautifully,” he adds. “I was pleasantly surprised by our similarities and especially how culture and nature are some of the main sources of inspiration. The beaded belt has been part of the culture in Rwanda for the longest time; they have great value and are a sign of beauty. By decorating the cow and oryx with them, we are celebrating them the way the ‘Inyambo’ cows are celebrated in Rwanda.”

The seven collections from Craft Stories (alongside the wider content of MENASA) will be showcased and available for sale in a dedicated design space located on the ground level of the Rove Expo hotel, next to Al Wasl Plaza. It also features a dramatic 13-metre-wide window display designed by Carmello Zappulla and Rami Al Ali, who merged 3D printing with local crafts.

The post MENASA – Emirati Design Platform at Expo 2020 brings together local and international designers to focus on local craft appeared first on identity.

These popular restaurants include Pakistani restaurant chain Ravi’s, iconic Yemeni restaurant Maraheb, Sarouja – Syrian café and restaurant, Firas, the legendary Arabic sweet shop, Dampa Seafood Grill – a Filipino restaurant, Indian restaurant and Grill, Chicken Tikka Inn and Al Reef Lebanese Bakery.

“These are restaurants I grew up with – they are woven into the fabric of the UAE – so we wanted to retain a sense of nostalgia while creating contemporary spaces,” says Pallavi Dean. “We started by figuring out the DNA of each venue to keep its essence but making each restaurant relevant for today and for the Expo setting, which was really exciting.”

By focusing and capturing intrinsic design elements that make these restaurants so iconic in the minds of loyal diners, Roar worked with closely with the restaurant owners to deliver a reinterpretation for the international audience.

Pallavi explains, “Al Reef is known for its terracotta bricks and we wanted to recreate this earthy, warm atmosphere by building an entire wall made out of them. for Firas, we decided to contstruct a bar counter using similar barrels to the one they have in the shop to display the sweets.”

“The original Al Farwania is on Jumeirah Beach Road,” Pallavi continues, “ which is lined with little grocery stores that have swimming pool inflatables hanging outside. We thought it would be fin to evoke these surroundings by transposing the inflatables inside the new Expo branch, but in neutral tones. The owner of Maraheb wanted us to include the emblematic lanterns that features in all his restaurants so those were incorporated with our design, while Chicken Tikka Inn has red-feathered lampshades as a playful nod to the main ingredient on its menu.”

Roar has also designed a new café concept for Dubai Expo, Canvas by Coffee + Culture.

Dubai Expo 2020 is open until 31st of March, 2022.

The post Roar taps into nostalgia for the design of local eateries at Dubai Expo appeared first on identity.

All photography by Dany Eid/Expo 2020

Designed by British architecture practice Grimshaw Architects, the structure responds to LEED Platinum building standards. Much like the ghaf tree that inspired its design – found in the most arid climates with little water needed for survival – so the pavilion aims to embrace a self-sustaining ecosystem, generating 100 per cent of its energy and water supply.

The pavilion draws inspiration from natural processes such as photosynthesis, its dynamic form designed in service to its function, capturing energy from sunlight and fresh water from humid air. Built as a net-zero structure, it uses water-reduction strategies and recycling as well as alternative water sources.

View of the Canopy and energy trees at the Sustainability Pavilion

1,055 photovoltaic panels are arranged on the building’s 130-metre-wide roof canopy with ‘Energy Trees’ integrated into the surrounding landscape, providing shade to the external spaces, while tracking the path of the sun to generate as much energy as possible.

Read more: Andrew Whalley of Grimshaw Architects talks about ‘Terra’ – the Sustainability Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020

Further energy is being saved by burying much of the occupied spaces below ground and providing thick, insulated walls with minimal glazing. The orientation of the funnel shape of the pavilion canopy creates air flows that naturally ventilate the pavilion courtyard.

Sustainability pavilion exhibition interior at Expo 2020 site

From January to April, visitors are encouraged to explore Terra’s surrounding public spaces, from a children’s playground and gift shop to various dining offerings. One of its main offerings is however, the exhibitions themselves, providing a view into the natural world, while aiming to create awareness around how human behaviours impact the environment.

‘Under the Ocean’ exhibition at the Sustainability Pavilion

“An immersive theatre is how I’d describe it,” Andrew Whalley, chairman and partner at Grimshaw told identity. “You need to immerse people in the landscape and nature, and to entertain them and catch their imagination, to draw their attention to the need to be more sustainable.”

Terra will remain as part of Expo 2020’s legacy project, later transforming into a Science Centre with hopes to inspire future generations to make sustainable choices.

Terra has been open to the public from 22 January, while Alif – The Mobility Pavilion and Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion will follow later in the first quarter of 2021. Tickets to visit the pavilions cost AED 25.

Expo 2020 Dubai will be open from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.

Read more: Asif Khan’s entry portals for Expo 2020 combines carbon fibre and Emirati crafts

The post Take a look at the newly opened Sustainability Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai appeared first on identity.

Votes by BIE member states exceeded the two-thirds majority required for the event to be officially postponed. Expo 2020 Dubai will now take place from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 under its original Expo 2020 Dubai title.

While voting originally began on April 4 with plans to stay open until May 29, within two weeks the two-thirds majority vote had already been achieved.

Expo 2020 Dubai has been officially postponed until 2021

“We have sought to build over the last 50 years bridges, connections, and partnerships around the world because we believe in genuine collaboration to safeguard the future of all. This swift and overwhelming vote reflects the strength of our international partnerships and truly reflects the positive role the UAE and Dubai play with all countries around the world,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee said.

“This affirmation by the international community of Dubai’s offering and its ability to deliver, further strengthens our commitment to matching ambition with achievement to hosting an event that will capture the world’s imagination, when the time is right,” he added.

Expo 2020 Mobility Pavilion

With the Expo 2020 infrastructure already 100% complete, many of the country pavilions had broken ground and were under construction. Major UAE-backed pavilions and sites were also nearing completion such as the Opportunity District and Mobility Pavilion which was under construction.

The expo site’s flagship Al Wasl Plaza, which is crowned by Al Wasl Dome , has been completed in addition to the spectacular mashrabiya-inspired welcome portals designed by British architect Asif Khan (which you can now read about in the latest issue of identity).

Al Wasl Dome raised for Expo 2020 Dubai

“In their support for the one-year postponement of Expo 2020 Dubai, Member States of the BIE are giving the world the opportunity to reconvene in 2021, when together, we can address the challenges facing humanity and celebrate the unity and solidarity that strengthen us. With its theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 Dubai will offer the world a unique platform to share the lessons, solutions and ideas for a better tomorrow,” said Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, secretary-general of the BIE.

Expo 2020 Dubai is the first world expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region and the biggest event to be held in the Arab world, welcoming 192 countries from across the globe.

The post Expo 2020 Dubai officially postponed until October 2021 appeared first on identity.

The state-of-the-art pavilion, designed by Grimshaw Architects with input from NASA scientists and revered European academic research institutes, features the very latest sustainable building concepts. Equipped with over 1000 photovoltaic panels, the pavilion has been designed to LEED Platinum building standards, regarded as the highest available accreditation for sustainable architecture.

Grimshaw Architects and its partners have created a pioneering structure and exhibition that will set the sustainable practice benchmark for decades to come.

The Sustainability Pavilion has been conceived to be part of the Expo Legacy collection of structures that will keep the Expo 2020 memory alive for decades to come. According to Andrew Whalley, Chairman, Partner at Grimshaw: “The actual construction has been very efficient. The building is now complete, and we are finessing various elements. Commissioning will start soon, and the exhibition is starting to go in.”

“We hope that the whole experience will make visitors reflect and pause for thought. We need to change the way that we do things and to be truly sustainable; we must change our habits.” – Andrew Whalley

The permanent structure will be transformed into a Children and Science Centre post-Expo, when it will be self-sustaining and will generate 100 per cent of its energy and water supply.

“Designing a sustainable net-zero building in the challenging desert climate was interesting – but if you can do it here, then you can do it anywhere,” says Whalley. “It was always intended to be a permanent building – to foster innovation and research – and so we designed it [first] with the legacy in mind, and then re-designed it to be a six-month-long Expo pavilion centre.”

The pavilion also features innovative landscaping to enrich the experience. “We hope this will demonstrate that you can create an exciting lush and varied landscape in the desert. Working in collaboration with Dubai-based Desert ink, we have used a lot of plants that haven’t been used in public landscaping before.

The entire 25,000 square metres of grounds will feature innovative irrigation techniques, including a greywater recycling system and local plants, to reduce water use by 75%.

Some 10 tonnes of reclaimed wood will cover the auditorium walls, while rocks excavated from the desert site during construction form the wall elements.

The exhibitions – with content created in collaboration with US company Thinc Design and the UK’s Eden Project – will be displayed over 6300 square metres. The pavilion will host 4400 people per hour, with each visit taking about 45 minutes.

“We have split the circular exhibition into two semi-circular parts so that everybody gets to see similar yet different experiences, allowing twice as many people through it,” he explains.

“It’s quite a departure from the traditional closed box-type pavilion, as people can walk up on to the roof and look inside from outside, and therefore enjoy part of the internal experience without entering.

“We sank the building, so all the exhibition space is underground, beneath the landscaped roof that provides natural shading and insulating.

“The specially designed sun-powered ‘Water Tree’ uses metal-organic frameworks that capture moisture from the air like a sponge.

“There’s a hidden gem in the centre of the building: when you step into it you look down and see a pool of water – water that the building is harvesting through its Water Tree system. You will see the sky reflected through the central funnel, connecting the sky and the water.”

The building will also use solar energy to sterilise water and remove micro-bio-contaminants.

“In many ways, this is a new generation of the Eden Project; about the environment and how we live in the future, rather than just plants,” he says.

“An immersive theatre is how I’d describe it. You need to immerse people in the landscape and nature, and to entertain them and catch their imagination, to draw their attention to the need to be more sustainable.”

“The UN has categorically said that all new buildings should be net-zero by 2030; we [Grimshaw Architects] have committed to do that. In December 2019, we stated that all our global operations would be net-zero from this year [2020]. That’s the way to encourage clients to join in this journey.

“This pavilion will be a path leader, demonstrating what can be done for the UAE.

“Much of the technology was built just 20 minutes away. The whole 130-metre-wide canopy roof, inspired by the Ghaf tree, was fabricated at a nearby steelworks. Around that, we have E-Trees influenced by the waxy-leaved Blood Dragon trees seen in Oman, that grow in arid conditions and follow the movement of the sun. Our E-Trees will do the same to ensure that the area enjoys the maximum shading throughout the day.

“We had to make the E-Trees very light and so collaborated with Premier Composite Technologies ( PCT) to make them from carbon fibre.

“We hope that the whole experience will make visitors reflect and pause for thought. We need to change the way that we do things and to be truly sustainable; we must change our habits.”

Grimshaw Architects has worked on a number of Expo-related structures over the years. “Our first Expo pavilion was in Seville 1992. It was actually one of the first buildings that used photovoltaics to generate energy – we had to borrow them from BP.”

Whalley’s award-winning projects include the International Terminal at Waterloo, the Eden Project in Cornwall, the redevelopment of London Paddington station (all in the UK) and the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center in Troy, New York.

Going forward, the firm has a number of exciting projects on its drawing boards.

“We have a couple of large master plans in the infancy stage, a lot in transport and railways projects such as: the Euston Station Redevelopment project in the UK; the new light rail system in Auckland, New Zealand; Heathrow, new JFK and Newark airports; and a master plan for Washington, D.C.,” says Whalley.

“Interestingly, a lot of money is going into infrastructure; a lot of public transit systems – all of which are geared towards a more sustainable world.”

Recently, Grimshaw completed a major bus shelter project in New York and the new Frost Museum of Science in Miami.

The post Andrew Whalley of Grimshaw Architects talks about ‘Terra’ – the Sustainability Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020 appeared first on identity.

The Committee collectively agreed to explore the possibility of a one year delay to the opening of Expo 2020. The Expo organisers and Steering Committee will work with the World Expo governing body, Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).

A final decision on postponement can only be made by the BIE’s Executive Committee and the General Assembly. Article 28 of the BIE Convention says that a change of dates requires a two-thirds majority vote from Member States.

The Steering Committee members reaffirmed their solidarity with the international community during this unprecedented global crisis.

A fast-moving and unpredictable situation

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, elaborated. She said: “The global situation is fast moving, and remains unpredictable. We have been consulting with key stakeholders to review the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on plans and preparations.

“While they remain firmly committed to Expo 2020, many countries have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. They have expressed a need to postpone the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai by one year, to overcome this challenge. The UAE and Expo 2020 Dubai have listened. And in the spirit of solidarity and unity, we supported the proposal to explore a one-year postponement. We look forward to welcoming the world, which we are certain will come out of this stronger and more resilient.”

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), welcomed the approach and recommendations. He said: “Today’s agreement to explore options for a one-year delay to the opening of the World Expo is welcome. We will move forward in supervising the process to follow in accordance with the BIE convention rules and regulations.”

“I am confident that we will collectively overcome the challenges caused by this global crisis. The UAE’s decision to support a one year postponement demonstrates pragmatism, openness and commitment to delivering an Expo that meets our shared ambition. We have full confidence the UAE will host a World Expo that inspires and delights millions, when the time is right.”

Expo 2020 Dubai organisers will continue to assess the situation and consult closely with all stakeholders.

The post Organisers of Expo 2020 explore postponing event by one year appeared first on identity.

The fantastic, futuristic structure will be one of the highlights of the upcoming Expo 2020. It is the work of British architect Gerard Evenden, Senior Executive Partner, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners.

Evenden was previously part of the team that designed the UAE’s pavilions for the Shanghai (2010) and Milan (2015) Expos.

This veteran architect also played a crucial role in the Masdar City development and has extensive knowledge of the UAE.

Gerard Evenden

A feat of engineering and architecture

Evenden brims with enthusiasm when he speaks about this latest feat of engineering and architecture.

“For the first time, we are now seeing how the stainless steel cladding is reacting to the daily cycle, from sunrise to sunset. We wanted to create a building that appears to be moving,” he says.

The designer continues: “The Mobility Pavilion … was purpose-built for use during and after Expo. We will not be throwing anything away. The building was designed so that you can increase the size of the structure, increase floor plates, volume, etc. It’s the ultimate Expo legacy building –very flexible.”

The benefit of experience

Foster + Partners has been active in the UAE for decades and has a permanent office in Dubai’s d3.

Evenden says this experience has been harnessed in the design of the Mobility Pavilion. “The Mobility Pavilion is self-shading – its metal cladding reflects heat. Photovoltaic panels on the roof take advantage of solar energy and the landscape design is sensitive to water usage”.

Evenden is confident that queues will not be an issue at the Expo 2020 Mobility Pavilion. “We were intent on bringing the internal activities out to people on the outside. Visitors will enter at ground level, be whisked to the top of the seven-floor building, and then head back down. We have created a natural flow.”

“Many people don’t realise how much there is to see and do at an Expo – not just the educational experience but the atmosphere, the parties, etc… Many are going to be quite surprised at just how engaging it will be.”

The post Expo 2020 Mobility Pavilion – a feat of engineering and architecture appeared first on identity.

The pavilion will celebrate women change-makers by looking at the contribution of women and their impact on society. It will also highlight their many achievements that have driven forward economies and enhanced communities.

The Women’s Pavilion will look at the female expertise that inspires and empowers global citizens to create a better future. It will also take visitors on an educational journey that showcases contributors to women’s empowerment and gender equality. Important milestones for women’s rights will be highlighted, as well as the challenges that women still face today.

The aim of the Women’s Pavilion is to raise global awareness and to inspire people from all generations to make a difference.

Amplifying voices of all women across the world

For the six months of World Expo 2020, the Women’s Pavilion will create a space of expression designed to foster dialogue. Its diverse audience will include artists, scientists, thought leaders, politicians, entrepreneurs, business leaders and more.

Supporters of the pavilion include: Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women; and International human rights lawyer Amal Clooney.

Mlambo-Ngcuka said: “I applaud the UAE for dedicating a space to the crucial roles that women play – from communities to the world stage. It also recognises the challenges they still face every day.

“The Women’s Pavilion is setting a needed standard for corporations to rethink their approach to gender advocacy. It is a powerful platform to cascade the gender equality message to the world.”

HE Reem Al Hashimy

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, said: “Gender equality is an essential pillar of all sustainable development. It is the foundation on which the health and prosperity of communities, indeed humanity, is built.”

The post Expo 2020 Dubai and Cartier announce the Women’s Pavilion appeared first on identity.

AUSTRIA

Opportunity District

Theme: Every Good Idea Begins with the Right Question

Architects: querkraft

About: Some 47 truncated cone towers constructed from loam, a building material used across the globe for more than 9000 years, create a striking contrast to the pavilions made from steel and glass that are so common at world exhibitions. This structure requires no mechanical air conditioning as the cones – which are cut off at varying heights – have been arranged to ensure moderate air movement, while the loam has a complementary high thermal storage capacity. The pavilion will house exhibitions, workshops, installations and a Viennese coffee house.

AZERBAIJAN

Sustainability District

Theme: Seeds for the Future

Architects: Simmetrico

About: The pavilion’s focus on the environment is reflected by the architects following the ‘Mean, Lean, Green’ philosophy guidelines that were first applied at the London 2012 Olympics. The leaf-shaped roof of the nature-inspired structure functions as a thermal passive buffer and aims to encourage visitors to consider the impact of individual choices, ensuring that balance is restored to our natural world for a sustainable tomorrow. Visitors will also learn about the ways Azerbaijan is protecting its biodiversity, and about strategies that focus on renewable energy.

BELARUS

Opportunity District

Theme: Forest of Future Technology

Architects: NÜSSLI Adunic AG

About: This Eastern European nation is renowned for its primeval forests, which have been strongly referenced in a pavilion that explores the themes of innovation and investment. Just as trees grow stronger and live longer when they stand together, it is hoped that visitors will collaborate to ensure a better, shared future. And as well as encouraging people to connect minds for the greater good, the pavilion will enable Belarus to showcase its high-tech creations, sustainability initiatives and investment opportunities.

BELGIUM

Mobility District

Theme: Smart and Green Belgium 2050

Architects: Assar Architects / Vincent Callebaut Architectures

About: Some 10,000 plants dominate a zero-waste structure featuring a wide range of sustainable design initiatives. This ‘green ark’ draws on renewable resources for its energy requirements, while hanging gardens will create a ‘carbon sink’ that helps reduce temperatures by creating a well ventilated and shaded outdoor area. Visitors will be able to interact with a host of Belgian innovations and also enjoy some of the nation’s renowned culinary specialties – including, of course, its world-famous fries, known locally as frietjes.

BRAZIL

Sustainability District

Theme: Together for Diversity

Architects: JPG.ARQ / MMBB / Ben-Avid

About: Three architectural studios have collaborated on a design that incorporates water as its most striking feature, recreating the Amazon basin for visitors to walk through – and around – as they experience the sights, sounds and scents of one of the natural world’s greatest attractions. A café, restaurant and shop are also planned, while on the first floor of the pavilion there will be a multi-purpose room for lectures and film shows on Brazil’s rich biodiversity and its potential in sustainable production.

CHINA

Opportunity District

Theme: Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind – Innovation and Opportunity

Architects: Construction Engineering Design Group Corporation

About: At more than 4600 square metres, this will be one of the largest pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai. Symbolising hope and a bright future, the design has been inspired by the traditional Chinese lantern, with architecture that references ancient Chinese innovations, including a display inspired by moveable type printing technology which turns into a dazzling light show at night. Chinese music, culture and cuisine will also be showcased, along with the nation’s long history.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Sustainability District

Theme: Czech Spring

Architects: Formosa AA

About: This 2200-square metre pavilion showcases the work of young architects who are also doctoral students at the Czech Technical University in Prague. They have designed an innovative Solar Air Water Earth Resource (SAWER) system, which transforms barren desert into fertile land by extracting water vapour from the air thanks to the use of solar power. It also utilises an organic structure made out of bioplastic pipes. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a large-scale installation that showcases the nation’s long history of glassmaking, as well as rotating displays of exhibits and a Czech restaurant.

FINLAND

Mobility District

Theme: Sharing Innovative Competences

Architects: JKMM

About: The cultures of Finland and the UAE have informed the visual identity of this ‘Snow Cape’ pavilion. Snow and ice cover the Finnish landscape in winter; while the pavilion’s main entrance gives the impression of arriving in a traditional Arab tent. Inside, visitors are assured of a peaceful haven offering clarity and serenity, as well as displays that showcase the history of Finnish innovation in fields ranging from education and sustainable technologies to health and wellbeing, along with an insight into the nation’s natural beauty.

FRANCE

Mobility District

Theme: Light, Lights

Architects: Atelier du Prado Architectes / Celnikier & Grabli

About: The pavilion’s theme explores light as an enabler of progress, a vehicle for connections and a source of heat and creativity. It also seeks to embody the Age of Enlightenment, the 18th-century movement spearheaded by French intellectuals that emphasised concepts such as knowledge, exchange and tolerance. More than 80 per cent of the pavilion’s power will be drawn from sunlight, while a micro water treatment plant will reduce demand for freshwater by an estimated 30%.

GERMANY

Sustainability district

Theme: Campus Germany

Architects: LAVA / facts and fiction

About: Visitors to Campus Germany can wear cutting-edge connected devices and ‘enrol’ for what is being described as ‘the lesson of a lifetime’. Themed areas include The Energy Lab, The Future City Lab and the Biodiversity Lab, which all converge on a spacious atrium with a restaurant and stage, while the welcome hall will feature a large pit containing 155,000 balls that can be scanned to highlight a sustainability leader from Germany or tell a sustainability-related story as visitors learn about pioneering sustainability efforts.

ITALY

Opportunity District

Theme: Beauty Connects People

Architects: Carlo Ratti / Italo Rota, Matteo Gatto / F & M Engineering

About: This pavilion is set underneath the overturned hulls of three ships which have been painted in the colours of the Italian flag, drawing inspiration from the historical tradition of ocean-going populations and fishermen. Visitors will be taken on a journey telling a story covering culture, art, education, science, security and innovation – with the pavilion reflecting the skills, products and innovations of Italian companies and communities as well as highlighting best practices in areas such as the circular economy and sustainability.

JAPAN

Opportunity District

Theme: Join. Sync. Act.

Architects: Yuko Nagayama / NTT Facilities

About: The pavilion’s lattice exterior combines traditional Japanese and Arabesque patterns, paying homage to the ancient Silk Road trade route that connected the Middle East and Japan. Visitors will be able to experience Japanese traditions, art and culture and technology through what is described as ‘a sensory journey powered by the latest Japanese technologies’. There will also be chances to sample Japanese cuisine and to attend diverse presentations, as well as to discover more about the city of Osaka, which will host Expo 2025.

KOREA

Mobility District

Theme: Smart Korea, Moving the World to You

Architects: Mooyuki Architects

About: Rotating cubes continuously change the design of a pavilion that will accommodate a spiral-shaped exhibition space aimed at helping visitors discover Korea’s plans to lead humanity towards a brighter tomorrow, and its growing influence on global culture. The structure will explore how mobility is set to change our lives, and will feature the best of Korean art, style and technology – including virtual reality and artificial intelligence – while the nation’s modern culture, including its world-famous K-pop music, will also be on show.

LUXEMBOURG

Opportunity District

Theme: Resourceful Luxembourg

Architects: Metaform

About: The design of this three-level pavilion, complete with tubular slide, has been inspired by a Möbius strip – with the twisting and folding of a ribbon resulting in one single surface that has no beginning and no end, to symbolise the circular economy. It also reflects the openness, dynamism and reliability of a country that has based its success on its human, natural, technical, industrial and financial resources, as well as the essential need to preserve them and create new opportunities through their intelligent use.

MONACO

Opportunity District

Theme: Monaco 360° – a World of Opportunities

Architects: AODA / OOS

About: A gem-like polygonal pavilion has been inspired by the Rock of Monaco, a 62-metre monolith on the Mediterranean coast, and promises to take visitors on a multi-sensory journey through mirrored exhibition spaces that replicate the sounds and smells of the French Riviera. The structure features two main exhibition areas. The Garden of Opportunities includes a variety of interactive experiences that will bring to life Monaco’s warm, sunny climate, while ‘Kaleidoscope’ will showcase the country’s art, culture, innovation, history and gastronomic traditions.

MONTENEGRO

Sustainability District

Theme: Montenegro – Blessed by Nature

Architects: Matija Vukovic

About: Visitors will be offered an insight into the country’s multi-religious cultural heritage, its national parks, water resources and its diverse ecosystems while celebrating Montenegro as an open and safe investment destination. The richness of the nation’s biodiversity will also be highlighted, as well as innovative efforts to strike a balance between man and nature plus its strategy for rapid economic development that seeks to preserve the environment for future generations. Visitors will be taken on a walk along a wool-woven path complete with a forest of lights.

MOROCCO

Opportunity District

Theme: A Kingdom of Inspiration

Architects: OUALALOU + CHOI

About: The pavilion architecture combines modernity and tradition with a building that has been inspired by ancestral methods of construction. Visitors will be offered an immersive experience as they venture along a continuous ramp that recalls the streets of the Moroccan medinas and its ‘Wast Eddar’ patio, symbolising the chance to seize opportunities in an innovative nation. There will also be a shop, gourmet restaurant and a tea room, along with the chance to enjoy one of the best views of Expo from the top of this vertical village.

 THE NETHERLANDS

Sustainability District

Theme: Uniting Water, Energy and Food

Architects: V8 Architects

About: The Netherlands has designed a pavilion which it says is “more a biotope than a building” thanks to the creation of a space that showcases how climate is controlled naturally, with water, energy and food being intrinsically linked. The biotope will also produce water harvested from desert air thanks to the use of solar power. The entire installation is being built from local resources and with locally rented materials, which after Expo 2020 will be given back or will go to a new destination, minimising its ecological footprint.

NEW ZEALAND

Sustainability District

Theme: Care for People and Place

Architects: Jasmax

About: The design of the pavilion was inspired by waka taonga, receptacles made by Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, to safeguard items of considerable intrinsic value and which were gifted to strengthen relationships, create new partnerships and maintain traditions. The pavilion’s theme also reflects the Maori value of kaitiakitanga, which emphasises the deep kinship between people and the environment. Visitors will be able to experience New Zealand culture and values, cuisine and design as they explore the pavilion and its restaurants.

NORWAY

Opportunity District

Theme: Norway as a world-leading ocean nation

Architects: Rintala Eggertsson Architects / Expomobilia / FiveCurrents

About: The exterior of this pavilion was modelled on the shape of a ship and features aluminium and glass panels, while the interior boasts an underwater topography, encouraging visitors to explore the deep sea and learn about the importance of ocean conservation. Digitally guided tours will provide an insight into an often-hidden world, with fishing and Norway’s rich maritime culture being brought to life both physically and with augmented reality, while there will also be the chance to control an underwater robot.

OMAN

Mobility District

Theme: Oman – Opportunities over Time

Architects: Adi Architecture

About: Frankincense, described as Oman’s gift to the world, has played a vital and varied role in the nation’s development, and this pavilion pays tribute to the valuable resin, recognised as a bridge between civilisations of the ancient world. The exterior resembles the tree that produces frankincense while inside there are five zones detailing the diverse ways in which it has benefitted Oman, spanning from medicine and food to cosmetics as well as sustainability through the care of trees and land.

PHILIPPINES

Sustainability District

Theme: Bangkóta: Philippine Coral Reef

Architects: Budji + Royal Architecture + Design

About: This 3000-square metre pavilion has been designed to resemble a coral reef or ‘Bangkóta’. It will be divided into eight zones featuring a tropical forest, an area detailing the country’s rich natural heritage, a cultural area, the making of bangkóta, a store selling merchandise, a garden on the roof deck, a plaza and a café. The multi-level structure is built on the idea of connectivity and permeability, enabling visitors to experience the island nation and its resilient people as well as showcasing a vibrant vision of its future.

POLAND

Mobility District

Theme: Creativity Inspired by Nature

Architects: WXCA

About: The large-scale migration of birds from Poland to the Arab world has inspired the design of this tree-like pavilion, which sits on a plot of 2000 square metres. Thousands of paper birds hover throughout the wooden structure, which also explores the nation’s diverse global connections as well as its role as a leading producer of goods. Visitors will be able to enjoy new displays of Polish culture and technology, while there will also be a dedicated children’s zone.

RUSSIA

Mobility District

Architects: Theban SPEECH / Simpateka Entertainment Group

About: This pavilion asks questions such as “How can we better understand each other despite our differences?”, “How do we find our places in the world?” and “How will we connect people and minds without moving them physically?” And it helps visitors find answers by providing an insight into how Russia sees the future. It also showcases Russia’s extensive knowledge in a wide range of fields and offers visitors the chance to experience the possibilities of tomorrow, as well as a variety of Russian food.

SAUDI ARABIA

Opportunity District

Theme: The Sky is the Limit

Architects: Boris Micka Associates

About: This pavilion covers an area equal to the size of two football pitches and resembles a huge window that opens up from the ground and reaches into the sky. It offers visitors an immersive experience of the Kingdom’s transformation, tracing its traditions and laying out its ambitions for the future. The pavilion will also demonstrate how Saudi Arabia is shaping both its own and the world’s future through balancing its rich heritage and natural wonders with the energy and creativity of its people.

SPAIN

Sustainability District

Theme: People and Places

Architects: Amann-Cánovas-Maruri

About: A series of recyclable domes that encourages airflow provides a visual focal point for a pavilion that explores a range of subjects, from historical innovation and adventure to biodiversity and organ transplants. The structure’s conical shape increases airflow to keep visitors cool as they enjoy traditional entertainment and delve into 800 years of Islamic rule in Spain, while they can also enjoy small ‘town squares’ to rest, shop and eat in. The pavilion is constructed from reusable materials including wood, iron and fabric.

SWEDEN

Sustainability District

Theme: Co-Creation for Innovation

Architects: Alessandro Ripellino Arkitekter / Studio Adrien Gardère / Luigi Pardo Architetti

About: The architecture of this pavilion has been inspired by Scandinavian woodlands and Islamic geometric design, and showcases a unity between Western and Eastern culture. Visitors can stroll through a forest on the ground floor, discovering the innovative identity of Sweden and how the country is building smart cities, developing the next generation of travel, innovating life sciences and developing a bio-circular economy. There is also the chance to enjoy relaxing views over the Expo site and fika – a Swedish coffee break.

SWITZERLAND

Opportunity District

Theme: Belles Vues (Beautiful Views)

Architects: OOS

About: This pavilion makes a bold architectural statement, being created from scaffold elements and textiles that reference temporary Bedouin tents and which can be easily installed and removed. Visitors can ‘hike’ through a showcase of the country’s cultural values and progressive ideals, heading up to the rooftop for views of the Expo site or to taste some of Switzerland’s national specialties. There will also be exhibitions highlighting Swiss innovations, the services and products of private-sector partners, and the Swiss tourism sector.

THAILAND

Mobility District

Theme: Mobility for the Future

Architects: Index Creative Village

About: A curtain of more than 500 woven artificial flowers will cover the outside of this golden pavilion, which will showcase Thailand’s digital capabilities with the aim of attracting international investors through the concept of ‘Digital for Development.’ The gable roof, a defining feature of Thai architecture, has been utilised at the entrance of the pavilion to express the delicacy of Thai greetings, while inside there are four technology-driven exhibition halls. Solar orientation and natural shading will reduce the power and energy requirements of the pavilion.

TURKMENISTAN

Mobility District

Theme: Power of Five

Architects: Tekmil

About: Visitors will be greeted by a fountain sculpture featuring five Akhal-Teke horses – Turkmenistan’s national emblem and an animal known for its speed, endurance and distinctive metallic sheen – and a 50-metre LED façade depicting the country’s attractions. The pavilion will further highlight the nation’s agricultural connections through elements that represent wheat, cotton and wind, with a ‘digital crop’ that will move and grow as it responds to touch. Turkmenistan’s modern achievements, development priorities and international ties and progress towards sustainable development goals will also be showcased.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Architect: Santiago Calatrava

About: Designed in the shape of a falcon in flight, this pavilion will tell the history of the nation as a connected global hub, and the vision of its leaders to create a peaceful and progressive society with ambitious plans for the future. It will be four stories tall and cover an area of more than 15,000 square metres with the uppermost level dedicated to hospitality. A 588-square metre mezzanine floor will accommodate support units, with the two remaining floors featuring more than 12,000 square metres of exhibition space showcasing Emirati culture.

UNITED KINGDOM

Opportunity District

Theme: Innovating for a Shared Future

Architects: Es Devlin Studio / Avantgarde / Veretec

About: The late scientist Stephen Hawking inspired this pavilion by pondering how humanity could express itself to an extra-terrestrial civilisation. The 20-metre-high structure will be composed of protruding slats that extend outwards to form a circular façade featuring an ever-changing poem created by Expo visitors. People will be able to donate one word in Arabic, English or Chinese. The pavilion will also offer a glimpse into the future, exploring subjects that range from the commercialisation of space to creating exoskeletons for the disabled.

UKRAINE

Opportunity District

Theme: Smart Ukraine: Connecting Dots

About: This pavilion will accommodate three zones – Smart life, Smart thinking and Smart feeling – to showcase the innovative spirit of Ukraine and explore its cultural heritage. Inventions on display will range from an e-bike that can travel 380 kilometres on a single charge to blinds that use sunlight to generate electricity. The pavilion will use picturesque flora to create a restful experience for visitors, who will also be able to enjoy an entertainment programme that includes fashion shows, topical seminars and creative performances.

The post The masterlist: Expo 2020 Dubai pavilions rise appeared first on identity.

Under the theme ‘Timeless, Always Peru’, the pavilion will feature a unique architectural design that evokes the path the nation has travelled throughout its existence, telling stories from the past 10,000 years.

“We are, and will always be, a country that transcends time. Even after many centuries, we continue to surprise the world: Inca constructions still astonish visitors through their innovative building techniques that have endured the passage of time. We have learnt from our ancestors to work as a community, looking to the future while keeping our past alive”, said H.E Vasquez Vela, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru.

The pavilion will reproduce the last Inca bridge, Q’eswachaka, welcoming visitors and symbolising the connection between the past, present and future of Peru.

“This bridge – which is woven annually by communities in Cusco – represents the path that Peru has travelled throughout its history, nourished by multiple influences and events that have given us the identity that today fills us with pride. It also represents the path we are traveling, one that will take us to the future as a country. A country with an infinite wealth, great export products and beautiful tourist attractions for the world to see. This path is based on the sustainability of our biodiversity, our history and our cultural diversity, and shows our contribution towards the construction of a better future for humanity,” added H.E Vasquez Vela.

“Expo 2020 Dubai is a great opportunity to showcase to the world what we are, who we are and what we are made of – from our marvellous attractions to our award-winning gastronomy; and from our cultural and natural diversity to our ancestral knowledge and intangible heritage. It is a great opportunity to showcase our talent, hospitality, creativity, uniqueness and diversity, as well as the tremendous array of opportunities and vast possibilities to be fostered commercially.”

Mr. Luis Torres, Executive President of the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Export and Tourism (PROMPERÚ), said: “We are extremely proud to be part of the most anticipated World Expo in history. We are coordinating with our partners from the public and private sectors to guarantee a great representation of Peru at the Expo.”

The ceremony was also attended by Alvaro Silva Santisteban, Director of the Trade and Tourism of Peru in the UAE; and Deputy Commissioner General of Peru for Expo 2020, Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau.

The post Peru begins construction of its Expo 2020 Dubai Pavilion appeared first on identity.