01 April 2016

Leading architects BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), Foster + Partners, and Grimshaw Architects have won a contest to design theme pavilions for Dubai Expo 2020.

Thirteen leading architectural firms took part in the competition, launched by Emaar Properties on behalf of Expo 2020.

The competition sought to identify the designs for the three theme pavilions – Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability – under the Expo’s 2020 theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman of the Expo Higher Committee and Dubai Airports and Emirates airline, said: “The competition attracted a truly stellar line-up of architectural firms that each put forward designs that impressed all those involved in the selection process. After careful study and consideration, three designs stood out as great future structures that will mark our expo as exceptional.”

The winning design for the Opportunity Pavilion was submitted by BIG, a group of architects, designers, builders and thinkers based in Copenhagen and New York. Their design philosophy reflects a belief that contemporary urban life is a result of the confluence of cultural exchange, global economic trends and communication technologies.

UK-based Foster + Partners submitted the winning proposal for the Mobility Pavilion. Its design drew on nearly four decades of pioneering designs including Dubai’s The Index building, and the masterplan for Masdar City.

The winning design for the Sustainability Pavilion, which will become a long-term ‘cluster’ centre promoting innovative technologies, was submitted by London-based Grimshaw Architects, which designed the Eden project in Cornwall, UK, and is a leader in the field of sustainable architecture.

The three pavilions will form centrepieces of the 2-sq-km expo site, surrounding the central Al Wasl meeting plaza.

Mohamed Alabbar, Expo Higher committee member and chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “The winning designs further build on the UAE and Dubai’s proven record in iconic architectural design, particularly when considering their long-term functionality, sustainability and contribution to Expo 2020’s legacy and Dubai’s development.”

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