UAE Pavilion- World Expo 2020
We can’t wait for the World Expo 2020! The Expo will be witness to an expected volunteer force of 30,000 , 25 million visitors and a collaboration of more than 180 nations. With its theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the future”, it will stand for everything that the world is today- a collaboration of minds, thoughts and ideas creating solutions to global problems in a sustainable manner, like never before.
Courtesy of Santiago Calatrava
“Today, the world’s biggest accommodation provider owns no hotels. The largest software providers do not write the apps they sell. The number one retailer stocks no products and the most popular media organisation in the world creates no content. These companies have each recognised the value of sharing and collaboration, made possible by new technology. They empower people to say and do things differently; to connect with others, and to create something new.”
At the heart of this 200 hectare Expo to be held in Dubai, will be the UAE Pavilion. Out of eleven proposals from sought after firms the winning entry for this Pavilion belongs to Santiago Calatrava. It is yet another bird inspired design; this time, a falcon in flight. Calatrava wishes to express through this, the “bold and daring spirit of the UAE”.
Courtesy of Santiago Calatrava
The pavilion will provide 15,000 square metres of space with exhibition spaces, an auditorium, cafe areas and VIP lounges. The pavilion is expected to be innovative and a high-performance space that will reflect the theme of the Expo of mobility, opportunity and sustainability.
Courtesy of Santiago Calatrava
What waits to be seen is if the falcon will actually take flight in the hearts and minds of the people; the question of how the pavilion will showcase sustainability through its design evokes much curiosity.
By: Sahiba Gulati
