Tokyo, Japan
Nagayama’s design for Japan’s Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai unfolds in a geometrical 3D lattice inspired by the commonalities of traditional Japanese and Arabic patterns.
She is the first woman to design a Japanese Pavilion.
Located in the Opportunity District of the Expo, the building, which is constructed by the Obayashi Corporation, represents the long history of connections and crossings of culture between Japan and the Middle East.
The theme of the Pavilion is based on the experience “omotenashi” (Japanese hospitality) for visitors to discover the vibrant art, culture and technology of the Far Eastern nation.
Guests are welcomed by Japanese traditional Origami shapes that symbolize the respect shown to others through the Japanese art of Origata gift wrapping.
The architect states that “in terms of the cultural connection, I took my starting point from the similarities we can see between Middle Eastern and Japanese geometrical patterns, and explored this across a facade that is a new kind of geometrical 3D lattice serving as the structure and environmental filter.”
With the Expo’s sustainability theme, Nagayama incorporates environmental techniques inspired by both Japanese and Middle Eastern cultures.
The delicate material of the facades bears resemblance to Japanese paper products shields the pavilion from sunlight.
A natural cooling system that incorporates traditional Arabic and Japanese techniques.
Sustainable architecture employing use of environmentally-friendly system equipment.
An expanse of water in front of the Pavilion cools the area and reflects the three-dimensional façade.
Sustainable architecture employing use of environmentally-friendly system equipment.
Yuko Nagayama Japan Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai
Project: Yuko Nagayama Japan Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai
Architects: Yuko Nagayama Architectural Design Co., Ltd.
Clients: NTT Facilities, Inc. and Obayashi Corporation
