foster + partners' fluid 'mobility pavilion' celebrates human progress at expo 2020 dubai

honoring human progress

foster + partners completes its three-winged ‘alif’ pavilion at expo 2020 dubai. the space offers visitors an experience that will merge the digital world with the physical, exhibiting iconic historical figures whose innovations have shaped the technology of the modern world. the pavilion will host the world’s largest passenger elevator, capable of transporting approximately 160 people at once. the name ‘alif’ references the first letter of the arabic alphabet, an homage which honors the beginning of human progress in its journey across ever expanding frontiers. see designboom’s previous coverage here.

images courtesy of expo 2020 dubai

the future of mobility

the architects at foster + partners designs its mobility pavilion to inspire visitors of expo 2020 dubai to envision the future they want. the space will present an exhibition of smart cities and the role of artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, machine learning, and autonomous transport. the pavilion will further demonstrate the intricate processes of global transportation of goods and how mobility could evolve along with the human-centric cities of the future.

the sustainable mobility pavilion

foster + partners notes its goals toward sustainability, the forefront of the design of the mobility pavilion. in fact, the project was realized to LEED gold standard. the building is self-shading, and its metal cladding reflects heat. photovoltaic panels on the roof take advantage of solar energy and the landscape design is sensitive to water use. following the conclusion of the expo on march 31st, 2021, the mobility pavilion will continue in legacy, becoming an integral element of district 2020.