the saudi arabia pavilion boldly rises from the ground to greet visitors at expo dubai

sky/ saudi arabia pavilion by boris micka associates  

rising from the ground towards the sky as a bold cantilevered structure, the saudi arabia pavilion at expo 2020 dubai represents a country rooted firmly in its heritage but changing rapidly towards the future. designed by boris micka associates, the pavilion is equipped with traditional exhibition techniques intertwined with state-of-the-art audiovisual installations to portray the country’s transformation. while the exterior architecture promotes a collaborative interaction, its contents highlight the faces of the saudi kingdom that are widely unknown to the masses. 

all images © boris micka associates, SAUDI ARAMCO

a simple, prismatic volume that gently welcomes visitors 

the team at boris micka associates deliberately avoided sinuous and over-complicated forms that are difficult to apprehend by visitors. ‘standing as a self-contained, prismatic volume, this distinctive landmark speaks of a solid, determined, trustworthy country. the beautifully crafted structure rises from the ground upwards, symbolizing a firmly grounded society with unlimited ambitions,’ reveal the architects. the simplicity of the pavilion’s lines, combined with its façade that opens like a large window into the future, emanates a welcoming gesture and sparks the interest of passersby  to explore further. 

the front façade opens up like a large window that sparks visitors’ curiosity

immersive digital experiences evoking the country’s progress

a vast range of exhibition resources have been used to encompass the diversity of saudi arabia as the biggest country in the middle east: a fully animated LED façade inclined over an interactive open plaza, large-scale curved screens to generate immersive environments, scenographic reproductions, state-of-the-art digital interactive planes, shootings in 22 natural locations covering 11,000 km, among other features. the combination of traditional and entirely contemporary exhibition techniques results in a mesmerizing visitor experience. 

a fully animated LED façade inclined over an interactive open plaza

large-scale curved screens to generate immersive environments inside the pavilion

state-of-the-art digital interactive boards reflect the progress and heritage of saudi arabia

nighttime view of the LED screen

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project info:

name: sky / the saudi arabia pavilion at expo 2020

architecture: boris micka associates (BMA)
location: opportunity district
total pavilion area: 13,059sqm

total exhibition area: 6,990sqm

client: SAUDI ARAMCO

builder: ALEC engineering & contracting LLC

scenographers: boris micka associates

photography: boris micka associates, SAUDI ARAMCO

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edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom