Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Yuko Nagayama and his team delivered a pure, all-white 3,200㎡ pavilion as Japan’s entry to Expo 2020 Dubai, representing a long history of connections and emphasizing cross-cultural references between Japan and the Middle East.
Draped in three-dimensional patterns derived from Japanese origami shapes, the pavilion combines traditional Arabesque and Asanoha patterns in an intricate, unique façade design to deliver the message of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” with three sub-themes Opportunity, Mobility, and Sustainability.
Located in the Opportunity District of the Expo site, the Japan Pavilion is themed as “Join.Sync.Act.” putting a general message into action, and invites visitors to discover Japan’s vibrant art, culture, technology, and traditional hospitality as Japan will be hosting the next Expo in Osaka in 2025.
Inside, a series of Japanese elements welcome the visitors upon entering.
For instance, the pavilion includes a restaurant that incorporates both Japanese and local elements.
Clarity, simplicity, and minimalism define the interiors, while visitors are embraced with transparency and abundant light.
Guests are welcomed by Japanese traditional origami shapes that symbolize the respect shown to others through the Japanese art of Origata gift wrapping with a soft layer material inspiring Japanese traditional paper.
Referencing sustainability at the heart of the expo, the architects devised a natural cooling system that incorporates traditional Arabic and Japanese techniques.
It features an expanse of water in front of the Pavilion helping to cool the area, and it reflects the three-dimensional façade.
Sustainable architecture employing the use of environmentally-friendly system equipment.
Project: Japan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
Architects: Yuko Nagayama Associates
Design Team: Yuko Nagayama, Tomosuke Hanatsumi, Yutaro Nakamura, and Kota Yoshino
Client: Japan’s Foreign Ministry
Photographers: Courtesy of the Japan Pavilion at the 2020 Dubai International Expo
