kengo kuma draws from qatari ships & japanese joinery for expo 2025 osaka

qatar pavilion: a timber structure draped in a white veil

The upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka is set to be a showcase of global innovation, and the newly unveiled plan for the Qatar Pavilion by Kengo Kuma & Associates is an exciting glimpse into what visitors can expect. Designed in collaboration with Qatar Museums, the pavilion will host an exhibition of Qatari advancements, all within a carefully crafted work of architecture that celebrates the interconnectedness of Qatar and Japan.

The pavilion’s design draws inspiration from two rich cultural traditions — Qatar’s dhow boat construction and Japan’s heritage of wood joinery. These newly released visualizations reveal a complex wooden structure draped in a veil of white fabric, reminiscent of the sails on dhows, traditionally used for trade across the Indian Ocean. This subtle fusion of elements serves as a visual reminder of the long-standing maritime connections that have fostered ties between Qatar and Japan.

images © Kengo Kuma & Associates

inside the pavilion by kengo kuma & associates

Stepping inside the Kengo Kuma & Associates-designed Qatar Pavilion, visitors to Expo 2025 Osaka will set forth on a journey through the nation’s present and future. Beneath the architects‘ lightweight tensile roof and its underlying timber structure, the exhibition will highlight the nation’s progress towards achieving the goals outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030. It will also showcase the investment opportunities available as the country diversifies its economy under the Third Qatar National Development Strategy 2024-2030. What’s more, the show will explore the cultural and trade ties that link Qatar and Japan, offering a comprehensive perspective on the two nations’ relationship.

the Qatar Pavilion is designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates in collaboration with Qatar Museums

a highlight of expo 2025 osaka

With a total area exceeding 1,200 square meters, the pavilion will be a major presence at Expo 2025. Construction began in April of this year, and the completed pavilion will be a focal point for visitors. Aligned with the Expo’s theme of ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives,’ the project will strengthen the bond between Qatar and Japan, while highlighting Qatar’s rapid development and its potential as a leading tourist destination.

Kengo Kuma & Associates’ Qatar Pavilion joins a growing roster of innovative national pavilions slated for Expo 2025. Other notable designs include SANAA’s ethereal Better Co-being pavilion, Mario Cucinella Architects’ Italian Pavilion, Lina Ghotmeh’s vision for the National Pavilion of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the village-like Saudi Arabia Pavilion by Foster + Partners — all woven together within a timber masterplan designed by Sou Fujimoto.

the design blends Qatari and Japanese cultural references, highlighting their maritime connection