The Netherlands pavilion is intended to be a physical representation of the country’s key message of connecting sustainable solutions in the areas of water, energy, and food. As such, the pavilion was designed and built as a harvesting machine that would unite and yield these three crucial elements in its own microclimate system, a miniature world where architecture is experienced as the smart fusion of technology and art. A 60-foot-tall vertical farm is the pavilion’s centerpiece and features 9,300 edible plants and herbs. Water collected from the air is used to irrigate the plants and for drinking purposes. Visitors experience the power of these natural phenomena in an almost silent space that is a welcome respite from the continuous buzz of the Expo.
The pavilion as a harvesting machine manifests itself throughout the visitor experience. Everything exudes the aura of a fresh, future-facing industry. The pinnacle of the visitor journey is a miraculous rainfall. Water falls from the top of the cone into a basin in middle of the cone. Sound and music bring this grand finale to a refreshing and soothing climax. As the door opens to the other side, visitors step into an enormous space filled with sunshine, and, when they turn around, they are thrilled to see the actual cone covered in edible foliage. Here, visitors can take a break and enjoy a scrumptious, healthy meal prepared with elements from the edible cone at the pavilion’s restaurant. As visitors exit the pavilion, they are inspired to join in communicating Netherland’s message of ‘Uniting water, energy, food’ for a more sustainable and happier tomorrow.
The 2,000 tons of steel used for the pavilion’s construction will be repurposed after Expo ends. In essence, the Netherlands Pavilion will leave no trace. The land on which it was built will return to its original state in an aim to minimize the ecological footprint.
