Sustainable development at Dubai Expo 2020. Terra, Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects
28/04/2021.
[Dubai] United Arab Emirates
metalocus, PAULA ARIAS
metalocus, PAULA ARIAS
Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion that has been designed for the 2020 Universal Exhibition held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was built in the last year of 2020 by the prestigious Grimshaw Architects studio.
The pavilion aims to explore, through ingenuity, new architectural possibilities that lead us towards a more sustainable life. The construction is inspired by the natural process of photosynthesis, capturing solar energy through solar panels, and absorbing water from environmental humidity.
Expo 2020 in Dubai had to be postponed due to the global pandemic, so its new start dates are October 1, 2021, and it can be visited until March 31, 2022.
The pavilion aims to explore, through ingenuity, new architectural possibilities that lead us towards a more sustainable life. The construction is inspired by the natural process of photosynthesis, capturing solar energy through solar panels, and absorbing water from environmental humidity.
Expo 2020 in Dubai had to be postponed due to the global pandemic, so its new start dates are October 1, 2021, and it can be visited until March 31, 2022.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects. Photograph courtesy of Expo Dubai 2020.
Model. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
Model. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
Axonometry. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
Section. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
Section. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
Climate section. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
Structure. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
Concept. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
Visualization. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
Visualization. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
Visualization. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
Visualization. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
Visualization. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
Visualization. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
Visualization. Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects.
The Expo 2020 Dubai Sustainability Pavilion, built by Grimshaw Architects, has had more than 50,000 visitors since it opened to the public on January 22.
The structure of the pavilion works as a large parasol that seeks to capture solar energy with its 1,055 solar panels to generate clean electricity. It is designed to make visitors aware of the importance of changing consumer habits to save the planet.
The gardens surrounding the pavilion design are an integral part of the visitor experience, both experiential and functional, setting the stage for the exhibition contents within and creating gathering areas that will manage and distribute crowds while providing retail, food and beverage opportunities.
The structure of the pavilion works as a large parasol that seeks to capture solar energy with its 1,055 solar panels to generate clean electricity. It is designed to make visitors aware of the importance of changing consumer habits to save the planet.
The gardens surrounding the pavilion design are an integral part of the visitor experience, both experiential and functional, setting the stage for the exhibition contents within and creating gathering areas that will manage and distribute crowds while providing retail, food and beverage opportunities.
Project description by Grimshaw Architects
Grimshaw Architects is delighted to have been commissioned to create the Sustainability Pavilion for the 2020 World Expo, which will be held in Dubai, UAE. Born of a tradition of remarkable architecture built for the world exposition stage, the Sustainability Pavilion aims to illuminate the ingenuity and possibility of architecture as society looks to intelligent strategies for sustainable future living.
The pavilion is a unique opportunity to deliver an aspirational message about the natural world, ecology and technology to a global audience. Grimshaw has sought to create a holistic experience that is both exhilarating and informative, and with the support of engineering consultants Buro Happold, the pavilion is designed not only for its striking form but for its demonstrative capabilities. Drawing inspiration from complex natural processes like photosynthesis, the dynamic form of the pavilion is in service to its function, capturing energy from sunlight and fresh water from humid air.
The systems being developed have not been applied previously on such a large scale with the Sustainability Pavilion acting as an important centre and functional laboratory for architectural exploration, demonstrating the possibility of self-sustaining architecture even in challenging climates. Sited in a prominent location, the pavilion structure works in tandem with the considered landscape of demonstration gardens, winding pathways and shaded enclaves to create an aura of magic punctuated by the sights, smells and tactile opportunities of nature.
The pavilion was developed in a holistic manner that incorporates a considered, supporting landscape design. The gardens surrounding the pavilion design are an integral part of the visitor experience, both experiential and functional, setting the stage for the exhibition contents within and creating gathering areas that will manage and distribute crowds while providing retail, food and beverage opportunities.
Content of the pavilion is key to the visitor experience and a primary driver behind the design thinking. The exhibition programme is set to leverage the incredible bio-diversity of the planet and the striking ways in which nature has adapted to harsh climates and challenging conditions.
“We are at a critical juncture in time, with an opportunity before us to create a healthy, lasting future for generations to come”, “The architecture and exhibitions of the Sustainability Pavilion will serve as an exciting reminder that ingenious innovation is already underway, and that further inspiration is all around us in the natural world.”
Andrew Whalley, Deputy Chairman at Grimshaw.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State and Director General Bureau Expo 2020 Dubai said.-
“Expo 2020 Dubai will be a festival of human ingenuity that brings together 25 million people to connect, explore and share ideas on big global issues. Living sustainably is an issue that will only become more pressing as the population grows and demand for resources increases.”
She continued: “We are happy to be working with Grimshaw on our Sustainability Pavilion, a highly innovative structure that will give our millions of visitors a unique perspective on sustainable living, and will also provide inspiring experiences for children that will encourage them to explore and appreciate the wonders of science. This structure is to become a key building block of our legacy as we set the groundwork for a new science exploratorium.”
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy.
As the United Arab Emirates continues to establish itself as a global cultural leader, it is important to be represented by design that is both functional and revelatory. The pavilion is designed to perpetuate beyond the life of the mega event, as part of Expo 2020 Dubai’s legacy strategy, and delivers a distinct architectural presence driven by the message it intends to convey.
More information
Architects
Design team
Lead Architect.- Sir Nicholas Grimshaw.
Client
Dates
2020.
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Sir Nicholas Grimshaw. Grimshaw Architects
Grimshaw Architects. Grimshaw was founded by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw in 1980. The practice became a Partnership in 2007 and operates worldwide with offices in New York, London, Melbourne, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur and Doha employing over 500 staff. Grimshaw was awarded the 2016 AJ100 International Practice of the Year Award for the firm's breadth of work around the globe.
Sir Nicholas Grimshaw graduated with Honours from the Architectural Association in 1965. He immediately started his own practice and won several awards for his buildings in the 1960s and 1970s, such as the RIBA award-winning Herman Miller factory in Bath and the apartments at 125 Park Road – both of which projects are now listed Grade II buildings. These early projects were noted for their innovative approach to construction and detailing – values that are evident in Grimshaw’s contemporary work. In 1980, Nicholas Grimshaw and Partners was formed, and the practice won wide acclaim and over 100 awards for architecture and civic design.
Sir Nicholas has lectured in 23 countries worldwide, and he is a registered architect in England, France, Germany and Spain. Following examination in 2002, he is also registered to practice architecture in the State of New York.
In early 2014, Sir Nicholas was one of five architects featured in the BBC4 series The Brits Who Built the Modern World. The same production company also produced Some Kind of Joy: The Inside Story of Grimshaw in Twelve Buildings in 2016, which is currently being shown at film festivals throughout the world.
Sir Nicholas was elected a Royal Academician in 1994 and in the same year he was elected an Honorary Fellow of the AIA. He was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2002, and was President of the Royal Academy of Arts from 2004 to 2011. Sir Nicholas Grimshaw continues to lead the partnership as the Chairman of the Board.
Sir Nicholas Grimshaw graduated with Honours from the Architectural Association in 1965. He immediately started his own practice and won several awards for his buildings in the 1960s and 1970s, such as the RIBA award-winning Herman Miller factory in Bath and the apartments at 125 Park Road – both of which projects are now listed Grade II buildings. These early projects were noted for their innovative approach to construction and detailing – values that are evident in Grimshaw’s contemporary work. In 1980, Nicholas Grimshaw and Partners was formed, and the practice won wide acclaim and over 100 awards for architecture and civic design.
Sir Nicholas has lectured in 23 countries worldwide, and he is a registered architect in England, France, Germany and Spain. Following examination in 2002, he is also registered to practice architecture in the State of New York.
In early 2014, Sir Nicholas was one of five architects featured in the BBC4 series The Brits Who Built the Modern World. The same production company also produced Some Kind of Joy: The Inside Story of Grimshaw in Twelve Buildings in 2016, which is currently being shown at film festivals throughout the world.
Sir Nicholas was elected a Royal Academician in 1994 and in the same year he was elected an Honorary Fellow of the AIA. He was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2002, and was President of the Royal Academy of Arts from 2004 to 2011. Sir Nicholas Grimshaw continues to lead the partnership as the Chairman of the Board.
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