01 January 2020

UAE-based design practice MEAN (Middle East Architecture Network) has proposed a sculptural 3D-printed pavilion for prominent traffic roundabouts on site to welcome visitors to the Expo 2020 Dubai, which raises its curtains in October.

Designed as a walk-through “spatial forest” to be assembled at the boulevard roundabouts, the installation comprises a series of palm tree-like 3D-printed concrete elements and branching LEDs.

The 8-m landmark was inspired by the Expo 2020 logo and UAE’s iconic palm trees. The installation would be built from 3D-printed shell components that can be cast on-site with ultra-high-performance concrete. It will be powered with solar energy and can be programmed to light up at night with a variety of lighting modes, according to the architects.

“The interactive installation symbolises the ethos of sustainability and innovation,” said a spokesman for MEAN. Our ‘Expo 2020 Landmark’ proposal amalgamates technology, innovation and sustainability into an iconic structure that serves as a welcoming icon to the event.”

The structure can be viewed from the cars around the roundabout upon which it sits, or enjoyed by exploring the spaces between the 3D-printed ‘palms’.

“Robotically 3D-printed concrete construction has been lauded for saving on material waste by reducing the amount of formwork involved in the process of casting, as well as providing a cleaner construction site, all while allowing for a higher degree of complexity in design,” the spokesman said. “We believe that Expo 2020 would be a fantastic platform to showcase the possibilities of this emerging construction technology to the world.”

The elements generate energy during daytime via the transparent, bespoke solar panels attached to their tops. Activeskeen aesthetic photovoltaics are specified for this intent.

At night, the concrete 3D-printed elements become animated with various lighting modes, welcoming visitors to the event. The footings of the concrete elements are fitted with hidden LED lighting that are programmed to glow with various patterns.

The Expo 2020 Landmark is designed for longevity in the harsh desert climate with very little maintenance. Taking its inspiration from biomimetic performance, it is a self-reliant energy generator that absorbs solar energy to power itself.

The solar panels are fitted around 360 degrees at the centre of the roundabouts, to capture the maximum amount of energy throughout the day, and tilted to expel sand from sandstorms.

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