JKMM's finland pavilion for expo 2020 dubai appears as a snow-capped arabian tent

JKMM architects has unveiled its design for the finland pavilion currently under construction ahead of expo 2020 in dubai. named ‘snow cape’, the structure’s appearance was inspired by the thin white layer of first snow that covers the finnish landscape at the beginning of every winter. meanwhile, the main entrance references traditional arabian tents — bringing together two distinct cultures. internally, a ‘central gorge’, illuminated by an overhead aperture, is clad with curved wooden surfaces.

all images courtesy of JKMM architects

sustainability has been a guiding theme throughout JKMM’s design and the subsequent construction process. with the exception of a limited number of finnish materials being imported, ‘snow cape’ is being built almost entirely using locally sourced material, thereby reducing the environmental burden caused by unnecessary logistics and transportation. the design also minimizes unnecessary additional cladding, enabling the team to reduce the amount of materials used. furthermore, 80-85% of the materials used will be recycled and reused after the expo is over.

‘the main theme of ‘snow cape’ and finland’s participation in expo 2020 dubai is ‘finland — sharing future happiness’,’ says severi keinälä, commissioner general of finland at expo 2020 dubai. ‘finnish happiness is based on the symbiosis of people, nature and technology. this deep connection is the origin of the quality of everyday finnish life and the finland pavilion communicates this happiness by taking visitors on a journey through finland’s key strengths; nature and sustainability, education and know-how and functionality and well-being.’

the pavilion, which is one of the first on site to have topped out, is located within the expo’s ‘mobility district’. several finnish companies have been involved in the construction of the pavilion: the elevators have been provided by KONE, while halton group will provide an air ventilation system inside the main exhibition. ‘in designing the pavilion, we sought to bring a fragment of finnish nature to the UAE and dubai,’ explains teemu kurkela, founder and creative partner at JKMM architects. ‘hopefully, this will the best space in expo for meeting face to face.’ see designboom’s ongoing build-up to expo 2020 here.

image by hannu rytky

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project info:

name: finland pavilion at expo 2020 dubai
type: competition, 1st prize 2018
location: dubai, united arab emirates
status: construction phase
year: 2018-2020
total gross floor area: 1,867 sqm / 20,096 sqf
architect: JKMM architects
construction: expomobilia
client: business finland