CLIENT: State of Qatar, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
DESIGN: Santiago Calatrava, Calatrava International LLC; Paradigm & Partners, Paradigm Middle East Exhibitions and Events
FABRICATION: ALEC Fitout
PHOTOS: Calatrava International LLC, Palladium Photodesign, Paradigm & Partners
The white swooping facade of the Qatar pavilion rises from the Expo grounds like sails from two passing ships in a modern interpretation of the country’s coat of arms that incorporates two crossed and curved swords and a dhow. The entrance is marked by a tall golden sculpture representing a pair of interlocked palm trees (also present on the coat of arms). Water features around the exterior provides a nod to the importance of the Arabian Gulf, which nearly envelops the nation. The architectural beacon eloquently fuses and translates the cultural elements to capture movement, mobility, strength, and tradition to reflect the state’s pioneering vigor, harmonious sense of giving, and powerful character, all while paying tribute to its history and culture but keeping a keen eye firmly fixed to the future.
The story shared within serves the pavilion’s theme, The Future is Now, which explores the country’s past, present, and future through opportunity, mobility, and sustainability. The interior is divided into two immersive and impressionistic galleries. The first gallery invites visitors to investigate the links between the country’s past and present through various elements coming together like a mosaic of museum-worthy exhibitry. A 3-D, carved map wall introduces Qatar’s global connectivity, while a series of animated insets highlight the country’s geographical, heritage, and cultural allures. Nearby, a large-scale holographic showcase presents the state’s vision of sustainability.
The second gallery paints a beautiful picture of the nation’s future in a deeply immersive audio-visual experience that flows between impressionistic evocations to stunning imagery. This space takes Qatar’s story to a grand scale demonstrating how it’s investing in sustainable development for the future because it knows that what’s done today is the foundation and legacy for generations to come. This visionary look forward utilizes large LED mirror totems and wrap-around projection mapping across the gallery to infuse visitors with a sense of awe. The flowing imagery is juxtaposed with ambient soundscapes punctuated with percussive rhythms of poetry, which creates a contemplative and emotive experience. In aggregate, Qatar’s pavilion is an act of wondrous balance: It is formidable yet welcome, ancient yet modern, and reflective yet inspiring.
