The 8,500 year old Turkish city of Izmir has announced Zaha Hadid Architects as the architect for its World Expo 2020 bid. As home of the Asklepion, one of the world’s oldest hospitals whose history has played a major role in the evolution of healthcare, Izmir hopes claim the title as host of the New Routes to a Better World / Health for All themed fair over its competitors – São Paulo (Brazil), Yekaterinburg (Russia), Ayutthaya (Thailand) and Dubai (UAE).
If selected, Zaha Hadid Architects will construct one of the largest urban recreation areas in Europe on a 276-hectare site in an Inciralti region lagoon. The environmentally and health conscious design will appear as if it is floating on top of the water with two large pedestrian ramps stretching out to either side welcoming visitors.
Once the fair concludes, the facility will be opened to the residents of Izmir as a public park.
The winning city is expected to be announced by Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) General Assembly in November.