Austria's EXPO 2020 Pavilion: Giant Watermill by Penda and Smartvoll

For Dubai Expo 2020, architecture and design practices Penda Austria and Smartvoll collaborate for the first time to create “The Source of Everything”. Their proposal was selected as a finalist in an international competition, representing Austria. The giant watermill, featured in the proposal, is representative of what Austria is famous for, “Refreshment”. Therefore, the purpose of the supersized watermill is to circulate water through the pavilion, creating a refreshing atmosphere in the desert of Dubai. By refreshing thousands of visitors, the intention of the pavilion is to promote water as both a human right and a public asset.

The Source of Everything. Image © Virgin Lemon

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According to the designers, the wealth of water in Austria is essential to the pavilion’s identity. The concept highlights how Austria is shaped by water, generating most of the country’s energy. Therefore, to underline the importance of water as a public asset, the designers view the pavilion as a statement against larger companies’ increasing abuse of the resource.

In contrast to the environment in Austria, the weather in the desert of Dubai is very hot. Therefore, rather than creating an enclosed and air-conditioned space protecting visitors, the designers emphasized their idea by making the building into one large sprinkler. This allows the pavilion to project land of revitalization for the mind and body and become a place for ‘refreshment’.

The Source of Everything. Image © Virgin Lemon

The following statement by Philip Buxbaum, Partner of Smartvoll, further illustrates the general vision which the designers had in mind when designing the pavilion: “In my opinion, a pavilion at the Expo shouldn’t be a box that solely showcases products and companies. At its best, a pavilion offers a surprise, a fun time with a message, and adventurous exploration. By creating a lasting impression, it will connect the visitors personally to the values of a country and its culture.”

The Source of Everything. Image © Virgin Lemon

The sequence in which the pavilion operates allows visitors to experience several stages of water movement. Being open from the sides, the wooden structure of the pavilion allows wind to flow through it. Also, the top of the structure is covered with shades for sunlight protection. Clean Austrian rainwater is then carried to the top and collected between the structures. This allows water to drop from the top of the structure making it rain throughout the building.

Upon arrival, visitors are given Austrian-coloured umbrellas to protect them from direct sunlight before entry. Following on from the entrance ramp, visitors get in the shadow of the pavilion as they watch the watermill turning from the outside. They can also see other visitors playing in the water inside the pavilion.

The Source of Everything. Image © Virgin Lemon

The structure is designed to leak water as well as produce steam and rain. Accordingly, the various forms of water generated within the pavilion upon entry, allow different users to interact differently with the water. After playing in the water, visitors are lead to the lower level, which is prepared with a large table and space for the visitors to dry their clothes and talk over glasses of water. This part of the pavilion represents the sub-theme of the Expo, “Connecting Minds”.

All in all, the whole structure is representative of Austria’s hospitality and culture. This is elaborated in the structure’s openness and purpose: uniting people worldwide in one place for refreshment.
Images courtesy of Penda and Smartvoll.