Stand Out Pavilions to Visit at this Long-Awaited Event
Finally overcoming the many challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis, after 8 years and $7 billion in the making, the hugely-anticipated Expo 2020 kicked off on October 1st this year, just one year later than originally scheduled.
For the first time in its history, the Expo will feature a whopping 200 pavilions, with 191 dedicated to each country, where visitors can enjoy immersive experiences that give a glimpse into the world tomorrow.
Each pavilion is an architectural marvel in its own right, but when you step across the threshold, you are transported into complex high-tech environments based on the Expo’s themes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.
The pavilion that is central to the whole event is one designed by Swiss-Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava for the UAE. The incredible structure is inspired by the grace and force of a falcon, which is the UAE’s national bird representing the Emirates’ pioneering spirit and features 6 different zones for exploration.
The three storey structure totals 15,064sqm, with 28 unique moveable falcon wings that make it one of the stand out pavilions at the Expo. Surrounded by landscaped gardens with 80 trees and more than 5,600 plants, many of cultural importance, the pavilion offers a fascinating journey through the UAE’s heritage in an unmissable immersive experience.
Here we take a closer look at three more incredible pavilions to visit at Dubai’s Expo 2020, where technology, sustainability, craft and cultural heritage are brought together to celebrate the best of the human spirit.
The French Pavilion
France has a long history of impressing at world expos. In the 1889 Paris World Expo, the Eiffel Tower was built as the entrance to the event, which at the time was a major feat of engineering. At Dubai’s Expo 2020, France has dedicated its pavilion to the use of light in all forms with the title ‘Lumière Lumières’ which translates as ‘light entertainment’.
The pavilion has been designed to reflect the many meanings of light, both as a source of reflection and a form of escape. The building faces northwards, with a large shaded area in the structure to protect visitors from the hot Dubai sun. At 21 meters high, the pavilion is the 8th largest at the Expo and its impressive façade and roof are covered with 2,500m2 of solar tiles providing light and power throughout the structure.
Even the approach to the French Pavilion is breathtaking to look at, with a promenade that features 1,160m2 of botanical gardens that complements the architecturally organic structure. From the roof, visitors can take in the expansive views of the Expo location in Jebel Ali.
The French Pavilion was designed by architects from Atelier du Prado and Celnikier & Grabli and is located in the Mobility District of the event. The rectangular structure spans three floors and is built around the three pillars of bioclimatism: improving solar gains, reducing use of fossil fuels and insulating the building’s waterproof exterior. This pavilion offers visitors a fascinating experience that never gets boring, from passing through the entrance where you can watch vibrant light shows that continue to thrill all ages inside the building.
The UK Pavilion
The UK Pavilion’s theme is ‘Innovating for a Shared Future’ and focuses on how we can embrace AI technology to improve the way we live, from how we travel and what we eat to how we’ll work and the clothes we wear. Events are scheduled throughout the Dubai Expo to focus on each subtheme, where you can learn more about the specifics of technological innovation in healthcare, education, leisure and a whole host of lifestyle-related subjects. The UK’s participation offers a global program of content with activities that can be experienced in person or online.
The pavilion structure features a central cone which resembles a musical instrument and is constructed from cross laminated timber (CLT) and steel. The cone sits on a big wedge of concrete, with glass walkways leading to the pavilion’s entrance to provide a maze-like journey for visitors. The vision for the design came from renowned British artist and stage designer Es Devlin OBE and was carried out by a team of architects led by Veretec with expertise in transforming large scale architectural designs into reality.
The Dutch Pavilion
The Netherlands has designed its pavilion to explore the theme of ‘uniting water, energy and food’ to address the Gulf’s rising demand for energy and sustainability. According to research, Gulf countries consume more water and energy per person than most other parts of the world, while importing a large quantity of food. Located in the Expo’s Sustainability Thematic District, the Dutch Pavilion has been designed by a collaboration of architects from Holland and Switzerland and is designed to highlight how the Netherlands has developed unique solutions in the areas of water, energy and food, as world leaders in the field.
The Dutch Pavilion features a unique circular climate system that provides visitors with an intense sensory experience. The centerpiece of the pavilion is a massive green cone that is covered in edible plants and irrigated with harvested water. Inside the food cone itself, the conditions are cold, dark and humid, which is perfect for growing oyster mushrooms and other types of edible fungi. The humidified air inside the cone keeps the atmosphere rich in CO2 to provide the best climate for growing food on the outside.
Many innovations were used in the building of the Dutch Pavilion, with the objective of keeping its carbon footprint as small as possible. Many of the structure’s materials are reusable, recyclable or biodegradable, with steel elements rented locally to be returned with Dubai’s Expo ends. Inside the pavilion, the floor and wall of the sophisticated lounge area were designed using a bio-based material made from mycelium by an Italian firm called Mogu. The curtains and UV resistant blinds were produced by Dutch firm Buro Belén, pioneers in the use of bio-based polymers in construction.
Why the Dubai Expo 2020 should not be missed
For all visitors to Dubai during the 182-day duration of Expo 2020, there is the promise of a huge range of activities and celebrations scheduled throughout. With 60 events hosted every single day to appeal to all ages and interests.
Expected to be the biggest cultural gathering the world has seen, Dubai Expo 2020 presents a visually striking and emotionally inspiring six months, with millions of visitors creating the most diverse World Expo ever. With free entry for children up to the age of 18, the Expo is an absolute must for visiting families, offering thousands of events, exploratory experiences and the opportunity to create some incredible memories.
Because Dubai’s Expo 2020 takes place during Christmas, Chinese New Year, New Year’s Eve and the UAE National Day, festivals have been scheduled that promise plenty of action-packed celebrations and entertainment for everyone who attends.
