sou fujimoto’s wooden ring roof for expo 2025 osaka is underway

sou fujimoto’s master plan for expo 2025 osaka is taking shape

New pictures have surfaced of Sou Fujimoto’s 700-meter diameter wooden ring roof taking shape in Japan. Designed as the master plan for the highly-anticipated Expo 2025 Osaka, the proposal reveals a 60,000 sqm green-filled structure that will serve as the international fair’s main circulation path. In a recent interview with designboom, the Japanese architect stated that the roof ‘not only protects people from sunlight and rain but is also enormous, with a diameter of almost 700 meters. We are designing it using a wooden structure, which presents unique challenges due to the scale and materials involved. However, Japan has a wonderful tradition of historical wood construction, and I aim to draw inspiration from it and blend it with new technology in the construction process. This work is not only a wonderful trial for working on such a large scale but also an exciting challenge in terms of innovative construction techniques.’

The proposal was first revealed in December 2020; the Japanese architect has not disclosed an estimated completion date. You can read our complete overview of Expo 2025 Osaka here.

woden ring roof for Expo 2025 Osaka | render © Sou Fujimoto Architects via Instagram

first look: building a 700m diameter wooden ring roof

Jointly with Tohata Architects & Engineers and Azusa Sekkei, Sou Fujimoto (see more here) proposes a green roof structure that will not only serve as the venue’s main circulation ring but also provide scenic vistas from above while protecting visitors from rain and sun exposure. ‘On the rooftop, visitors can go up and experience a lifted surface that resembles a bank, allowing them to appreciate the sky above and feel completely immersed in the environment. As the location is in the middle of Osaka Bay, no tall structures are around, offering a clear view of the sky in a pure circle,‘ Fujimoto told designboom.

Expo Osaka 2025 will run between April 13, 2025 and October 13, 2025 under the theme Designing Future Society for Our Lives, which advocates for a place where cutting-edge technology will be used to create new ideas and alleviate global challenges currently plaguing humankind. Visit the fair website to stay updated on the latest news.

first look at the construction taking shape in Osaka | image © Sou Fujimoto Architects via Twitter