santiago calatrava's UAE pavilion for dubai expo 2020 breaks ground

now that official agreement for UAE’s participation in the upcoming expo dubai 2020 has been signed, construction has begun on what is set to be the centerpiece for for the entire event. the santiago calatrava-designed pavilion was selected earlier last year, and is set to occupy a footprint of over 49,000 square feet across a total of four floors — a scheme that intends to attract millions.

the piece is inspired by the shape of a falcon
all images courtesy of WAM

as designboom reported back in may 2016, the landmark scheme was selected from 11 proposals submitted by nine acclaimed firms from around the world. under the theme of ‘connecting minds, creating the future’, calatrava‘s ‘falcon-inspired’ design will sit facing the al wasl plaza, which is the heart of the 200-hectare exhibition zone. it will also feature a 1,717-square-meter top story hospitality lounge.

‘the UAE pavilion will undoubtedly be one of the most prominent attractions of expo 2020, drawing in many millions to witness its futuristic design’, commented sheikh ahmed, chairman of the expo 2020 dubai higher committee. ‘the pavilion will be an architectural marvel that all seven emirates can rightly take pride in.’ it is estimated the pavilion will be completed in late 2019 completion before the expo opens in october the following year.

the national media council of the united arab emirates has awarded tellart, in partnership with kossmanndejong, the role of lead designer for the UAE pavilion at expo 2020. the uae is the host country for the upcoming world expo, which will be the first expo to be held in the middle east, africa and south asia region.

the ground-breaking ceremony marks the official beginning in constructing the pavilion

the amsterdam-based agencies are uniting to develop a strong integration between story and form, technology and physical scenography for the host country pavilion, which will be housed in a magnificent building designed by santiago calatrava. the UAE pavilion will welcome millions of visitors from across the world over the six months.