THEME: Reflection of the Kingdom’s Past, Present, and Shared Future
SIZE: 13,059 sqm
CLIENT: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Aramco
DESIGN: Boris Micka Associates, Kraftwerk Living Technologies, Dar Al-Handasah
FABRICATION: ALEC, ALEC Fitout
ADDITIONAL FIRMS: Vancram, Enefecto 3D, Sngular, Cyan Animatica, Entropy Studio, Pasos Largos, Adirondack, Leon Studio, Victor Reyes, GHESA Water & Art, Cracknell
PHOTOS: ALEC and ALEC Fitout, Boris Micka Associates, Saudi Aramco
World expos are extraordinary events where all countries gather to share with a massive, global audience the most significant features of their cultures, locations, societies, etc. As such, this type of exhibition tends to generate an over-stimulating environment where every participant competes with one another, trying to draw attention via striking architecture. In this context, however, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion deliberately avoided sinuous, over-complicated forms. The building stands as a minimalist, self-contained, prismatic volume. Its refined construction and simple lines represent a society that values beauty in the essence of all things.
The bold, cantilevered structure rises from the ground toward the sky, symbolizing a nation rooted firmly in its heritage but changing rapidly toward the future. The inclined building's façade opens like a large window into the future, and the entrance is set back to create a shadowed, open plaza. The fully animated, 14,200-square-foot LED façade, inclined over the open interactive plaza, displays a visual poem that presents the journey of the Saudi nation from the past through the present and into the future. In one scene, three-dimensional images transform the pavilion into a treasure box that opens in front of visitors. At other times, the screen becomes a massive activity during which cameras detect the movement of visitors below, allowing them to play a series of games.
As they enter the Pavilion, visitors face a 730-square-foot curved screen that welcomes them, displaying the pristine landscapes of Saudi Arabia. Nearby, 14 significant locations across the country, including five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are recreated in an artistic ensemble. Next, visitors are transported via a fascinating audiovisual journey across the entire country, revealing the special bonds between the Saudi people and their land.
In the Identity-Future area, a computer-generated window is opened into five selected projects, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s aim for a sustainable future and an optimal quality of life. Above guests, an ensemble of 2,030 crystals suspended from the ceiling represent Saudi society, as well as the visions and projects of Saudi leaders. Meanwhile, in the Vision area, a vast audiovisual kaleidoscope and interactive floor generate an artistic exploration — created by five prominent, young Saudi artists — into the multifaceted essence of Saudi Arabia.
Along the northwest and southeast sides of the pavilion, two suspended gardens lined with palm trees present a selection of ornamental plans from different Saudi ecosystems. At one garden, a digitally controlled water curtain is equipped with several interactive modules, allowing visitors to select and display different motifs based on the regions of Saudi Arabia. Finally, a digital interactive table in the shape of the country offers more than 1,000 unique data points encompassing every aspect of the nation.
