The location of Expo City Dubai 2020 is set to undergo a significant transformation, led by UNStudio in partnership with various firms. The master plan seeks to reinvent the site of the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia into a vibrant urban hub. By blending the original Expo structures with new additions, the project aims to create a unified and dynamic district. Aligned with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, the development will reuse around 80% of the existing infrastructure and buildings from Expo 2020, reducing waste and optimizing the value of prior investments.
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Spanning 3.5 square kilometers, the development is planned to house more than 35,000 residents and 37,000 professionals, while also welcoming around 50,000 visitors each year. The masterplan transitions from the organic design of Expo 2020’s thematic districts to a more streamlined grid layout. This updated urban framework improves wayfinding and ensures better accessibility across the site.
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The project is divided into five distinct districts: Expo Downtown, a bustling mixed-use zone with high-density development; Expo Fields, which combines sports facilities with residential spaces; Expo Hills, a low-density residential area surrounded by open green spaces; Expo Business, designed as an innovation campus; and Expo Valley, a low-density residential neighborhood set to be completed by 2026. Each district seamlessly integrates residential, commercial, and recreational features, creating a balanced and vibrant community.
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A central emphasis of the project is on fostering a lush and lively public environment. The landscape design, spearheaded by SLA, draws inspiration from Expo 2020’s core themes of Sustainability, Mobility, and Opportunity. This includes the creation of expansive green spaces, water elements, and the planting of more than 30,000 native trees. The inclusion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre further strengthens connectivity and vibrancy across the site. The design emphasizes efficient urban planning, featuring extensive greenery and encouraging eco-friendly transportation options like walking, cycling, and public transit. The project’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its aim to achieve LEED Gold and BREEAM Excellent certifications.
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In related updates, preparations are in full swing for the upcoming World Expo, set to take place in Osaka, Japan. Recent construction images showcase the “Grand Ring,” a striking design by Sou Fujimoto that will circle the exhibition site. Meanwhile, many participating nations have revealed their pavilion designs, including Kengo Kuma’s concept for the Portugal Pavilion and LAVA Architects’ vision for the German pavilion.
