Asif Khan takes inspiration from the latticework present in the traditional "mashrabiya" among Arabic dwellings, the three portals are woven entirely from strands of ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre composite that lend incredible structural strength.
This enables the ethereal structures to stand 21 metres high – taller than a six-storey building – and 30 metres long without any additional support.
The intricate portals were developed over the course of a three-year iterative design process in collaboration with an aircraft engineer and a manufacturer specializing in large format carbon composite.
Each portal features two vast doors, 21 metres high and 10.5 metres wide, that will be opened every morning of the 173 days of Expo 2020 in a symbolic act of welcoming the world. The portals lead to tree-filled arrival courtyards, also designed in collaboration with Khan – one in each of the three Expo 2020 districts: Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.
"Designing the Public Realm for Expo 2020 Dubai is a seminal moment for my practice; each aspect of the design invites visitors to immerse themselves in shared Islamic culture, art and language in dialogue with the future spirit of Expo. As visitors explore the many facets of the Public Realm designs, from the Expo Entry Portals to the seating I made with Lara Captan, I hope it leaves them with an unforgettable sense and experience of place."
Asif Khan.
The structures are the first element to be fully revealed of Expo 2020’s Public Realm, which comprises more than six kilometres of walkable areas across the site.
Expo 2020 Dubai will open on October 20, 2020 and end on April 10, 2021.
