EXPO 2020 Dubai looks forward to reconnecting the world again

s the world starts to remember what it was like to freely meet face to face, we take a sneak peek at the biggest global meeting forum of them all - The World EXPO.  Every five years, a city takes its turn to host one of the oldest and biggest events on the planet, lasting six months at a time and inviting every country in the globe to take part in showcasing the best of what they have to offer.  Around 25 million visitors are expected over the course of the event, including members of the public, global heads of government, business leaders and celebrities. 

Dubai, the first Middle Eastern city selected to host the event in the Expo's 170-year history, was scheduled to open the doors to the current chapter in October 2020, however the global pandemic has forced the postponement by 12 months until October 2021. The aim of EXPO 2020, just like all its predecessors since its inception in London in 1851, is to help people and nations across the Earth learn by sharing ideas, at the same time demonstrating innovation and further paving the path for progress in fields such as technology and architecture.

The 190+ countries taking part in this edition - themed ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, although it promises to be a breeding ground for some of the most innovative ideas from around the planet. In the past, it has seen the unveiling of the likes of the Eiffel Tower, the first typewriter, washing machines, televisions, nylon, and even Heinz Tomato Ketchup. So, you can expect it to be the platform for some iconic brand launches.

Here’s a whistle stop tour of some of the top EXPO 2020 pavilions that visitors will be able to enjoy. The pavilions all align with one of the event’s key themes of opportunity, mobility, and sustainability.

UK

The UK’s participation in EXPO 2020 will offer visitors a unique experience, building on previous award-winning installations, highlighting leading British expertise in sectors including artificial intelligence and space. 

Designed by Es Devlin Studio, Avantgarde and Veretec and inspired by one of Stephen Hawking’s final projects, 'Breakthrough Message', the UK opportunity themed pavilion invites visitors to consider what message we would communicate to express ourselves as a planet should we one day encounter other advanced civilisations in space.   The facade features a poem that is continuously changing and evolving. This is generated both by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and by the contribution of visitors. 

Once inside the user-created content theme continues.  A ‘Soundscape’ creates an atmospheric and immersive audio experience.  The narrative of the composition will embody the UK’s theme ‘Innovating for a Shared Future’, reflecting on the cultural diversity and history of the UK, and the world, through a melting pot of musical genres and sounds.  Unique sounds of voices or instruments submitted as part of an open call will mix with synthetic sounds and bespoke sections of music from other sources.  The composition will create a tailored sound system in the Choral Space for visitors to experience the Soundscape as they travel through the UK pavilion. 

Norway

 The Norway pavilion will allow you to explore the deep blue sea and learn about the importance of ocean conservation – all without changing into a wetsuit.   The pavilion will highlight some of the most pressing environmental issues facing our oceans and showcase cutting-edge innovations that could help to overcome these challenges.

UAE  

Designed by Santiago Calatrava, in the shape of a falcon in flight, the host UAE pavilion will introduce the world to the nation’s rich culture and bright future by telling the history of the nation as a connected global hub, and the vision of its leaders to create a peaceful and progressive society with ambitious plans for the future.

‍Australia

The bureau^proberts designed pavilion encapsulates Australian optimism, ambition and creativity whilst explores the topic of mobility. The ‘Blue Sky Dreaming’ theme sought inspiration from the cumulus cloud, often seen in Australia.

It celebrates Australian diversity and collaboration, and envisions infinite possibilities founded on 60,000 years of innovation.  Australia is best known for its beaches, mountains, deserts, and rainforests, but it is lesser known that some of the world’s best inventions are Australian. Wi-Fi, the pacemaker, cervical cancer vaccine, black box flight recorder, polymer banknote and dual-flush toilet are a few.  The pavilion also showcases intelligent water-saving technology from Australia.

‍Singapore

Designed by WOHA, the Singapore sustainability themed pavilion boasts a net-zero energy, self-sustaining rainforest ecosystem. Guests will take part in an immersive 3D experience showcasing the resilience of mankind in the face of changing climate.

‍Belgium

Belgium’s ‘green ark’ pavilion is the brainchild of Assar Architects and Vincent Callebaut Architecture. It explores the topic of mobility but not ignoring sustainability, it produces more energy than it consumes!

The 10,000-plant facade is fed by smart technology and fuelled by renewable energy.  It showcases how Belgium is striving to be smart and green for the future.

‍Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabia 'sky's the limit’ themed pavilion is designed by Boris Micka Associates and covers 13,000 square metres. Its dominating facade resembles a massive window protruding from the ground, soaring towards the sky.  Visitors can expect an exploration of both the cultural heritage and the natural wonders of the country whilst highlighting the energy and creativity of its people.

Oman

The Oman Adi Architecture designed pavilion showcases frankincense – Oman’s ‘gift to the world’.  The dramatic exterior echoes the tree that frankincense comes from and it visually prepares the visitor for a journey through five zones, discovering Omani progress over the centuries. Frankincense has helped to shape the country in many ways. It has a wide range of uses, from medicine and cosmetics, to food.

Brazil

And finally, Brazil’s JPG.ARQ, MMBB and Ben-Avid designed ‘Together for Diversity’ contribution showcases Brazil’s biodiversity and its vision for sustainable production by recreating the Amazon basin and allowing guests to wander through a water feature as they learn about the country’s impressive diversity, both in its flora and fauna and in its arts and culture.

‍Studio 104 is a listed uniform supplier for EXPO 2020 Dubai and will be furthering its global expansion in early 2021 with plans to open a new office in Dubai, U.A.E.

All images courtesy of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Studio 104 create of the finest bespoke uniforms for luxury brands.

Written by Ian (Chief Revenue Officer)

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