winning proposal for brazil pavilion at expo 2020 dubai encloses a central water square

the winning proposal for the brazil pavilion at the expo 2020 dubai focuses on the country’s waters, its rivers and its mangroves. a collaboration of three architecture studios, ben-avid, JPG.ARQ, and MMBB arquitetos, the project comprises a central square covered in a thin layer of water, and enclosed by a tensile structure of 18,5 meters height and 48 meters width with a lightweight white fabric envelope. intersecting the liquid surface is a continuous, dark path made of anti-slip, black concrete that invites visitors to wonder within the pavilion’s atmospheric interior, emphasized by various projections, sounds, and subtle scents.

all images courtesy of ben-avid, JPG.ARQ, and MMBB arquitetos

using water as a symbol to provide the basis for the entire discussion of sustainability in the planet, ben-avid, JPG.ARQ and MMBB arquitetos have created an immersive experience that draws from the flood periods, during which rivers overflow their banks. image projections upon the steel structure’s white fabric envelope depict brazil’s varied landscapes and transform the pavilion into a space of animation and interaction. during the day, the pavilion keeps the waters shaded and protected, while at dusk it transforms into a luminous floating cube.

goldon boots, popular in venice during the acqua alta period, will be offered at the brazil pavilion for those who want to get into the water, allowing them to immerse themselves even further. focusing on the ground floor as the central visiting space, the project establishes a gradual reduction of use and access as one moves further up. a cafe, restaurant, and shop are located on the dry parts of the square, while on the first floor visitors will find the multipurpose room intended for lectures, debates, film shows, and smaller performances. technical elements including the fire water tank, air conditioning, and devices such as image & light projectors, speakers, and aroma sprinklers are completely out of sight.

project info:

architects: ben-avid + JPG.ARQ + MMBB arquitetos

team: josé paulo gouvêa, marta moreira, martin benavidez, milton braga

collaborators: ana carolina isaía, emilia darricades, juan pablo parodi, mateo arjona, raphael carneiro, seizen uehara, tomás quaglia martínez, victor oliveira, guilherme wisnik, alexandre benoit

structure and technical: miguel maratá, gabriela trevizan