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
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
