Dubai, UAE
Resembling an Arabic tent made of snow, JKMM Architects design the Finnish Pavilion for the Dubai Expo 2020 using the romantic connection of snow in Finland’s landscape with the culture of Expo 2020’s host nation.
The Dubai Expo 2020 has a revised date of October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
Finland Pavilion’s name ”Lumi” alludes to a “Snow Cape.”
Inspired by the white blanket of snow, which covers the Finnish landscape from autumn onwards, the Finland Pavilion resembles a white snow-covered tent.
The aim was to bring a fragment of Finnish nature to UAE and Dubai. The Pavilion resembles a big white Arabic tent and its entrance was inspired by traditional nomadic culture. Two cultures meet in this way in our architectural concept.
Throughout the history of time the tent has provided an archetypal setting for meeting face to face.
Inside the pavilion, a deep top lit gorge-like space welcomes visitors.
Inspired by Finnish nature, this sculptural space brings people together in a memorable way. Its simple, pure forms clad with a curved wooden lattice surface reflect the celebrated heritage of Finnish Modernist architecture and design.
The simple, elegant design reflects the fascinating tradition of Finnish architecture.
Inside the Snow Cape, visitors will find a peaceful haven full of surprises.
The main theme of the exhibition in the Finnish Pavilion is “Sharing Future happiness.”
The sub-themes are the circular economy, sustainability and innovations. Finland’s key pillars of happiness are functionality and well-being, nature and sustainable development, and education and know-how.
Finland will be presented at the Expo by “Sharing Future Happiness” exhibition based on these strengths and the expertise of the partner companies.
The Finnish pavilion is a meeting space, a tent where connections between Finnish and Arabic minds can be fostered.
In the heart of the Finland pavilion, there is the Gorge, a tranquil natural space that contrasts buzzling Expo environment and provides a cool refuge for the visitors.
Finland will showcase its many areas of excellence, from education and sustainable technologies to health and wellbeing, as well as the natural beauty that attracts travelers from around the world.
Architects: JKMM Architects
Client: The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs