CLIENT: Republic of Azerbaijan – Heydar Aliyev Foundation
DESIGN: Simmetrico
FABRICATION: ASGC, Mint LLC, Carli Produzioni SrL
ADDITIONAL FIRMS: Maco Technology, Rubner Holzbau, K&D International Contracting LLC, C Decorazioni, Leva srl, Dadomani srl, Terenzi Srl, Bonsaininja Srl, Videosoft Srl, Luxive srl, M2L Srl, Armonica Srl, Unitech Digital Media Srl, Product Linfa by Robonica, Design Giampiero Peia, PCMC
PHOTOS: Simmetrico
The Azerbaijan Pavilion, located in the Sustainability District, represents the theme “Seeds of the Future.” It represents, in all its constituent parts, the country’s attitude toward the future and its awareness that the events of tomorrow depend on decisions made today. In this vision, people are the main tools of change, as it is only by developing human capital that we can truly achieve a sustainable future for all. The pavilion’s goal is to educate visitors about the development programs implemented in Azerbaijan, which demonstrate how sustainable planning allows us to face global challenges, from environmental protection, to economic diversification.
From that overarching idea, the nature-inspired Azerbaijan Pavilion was born with two iconic elements at its core: a leaf and a tree. These shapes are both symbolic and functional. The leaf is an air cushion of functioning as a thermal passive buffer, a tensile structure that generates a microclimate and absorbs little energy. The large trunk is the fulcrum around which the spaces develop vertically and horizontally. Meanwhile, the roots of the tree open to form a stage for events and presentations. Even the fronds are accessible, forming a VIP area reserved for guests and offering them an excellent view of the entire Expo 2020 grounds.
At the entrance, visitors are greeted by an immersive scenography that recalls a digital forest that integrates organic shapes and complex interactive technologies. It is made up of installations, videos, sound recordings, augmented reality, and proximity sensors revealing the content without guests having to touch any surfaces. The experience is surrounded by colorful flowerbeds that embrace five large interactive trees and two interactive tables, while a graphic river (illustrated with the iconic symbols of Azerbaijan) runs along the entire experiential journey. Swings are positioned under the main tree, the architectural fulcrum of the pavilion, to invite visitors to relax, enjoy the exhibition, and be immersed in the Azerbaijan Pavilion experience.
