Hopkins Architects’ Expo 2020 Thematic Districts Welcome Visitors Starting Tomorrow

The international event Expo 2020 taking place in Dubai, UAE officially starts tomorrow, October 1st. Expecting 25 million visitors, the Expo is filled with pavilions and installations spread across three “Thematic Districts”, representing the three main themes of the event: Opportunity, Sustainability, and Mobility—with an aim of “Connecting Minds and Creating The Future”.

Courtesy of Hopkins Architects

Designed by Hopkins Architects, the Thematic Districts of the Expo 2020 Dubai comprise 86 permanent buildings across three separate ‘petals’, representing 136 participating countries and conveying different meanings. 

“Each of the three petals is given a unique and memorable character, portrayed through different geometry, landscaping and colors to reflect the three main Expo 2020 Dubai themes.” -Hopkins Architects

Courtesy of Hopkins Architects

Visitors of the Expo 2020 will enjoy the mixture of exhibition spaces within the Thematic Districts, as well as new and exciting food and beverage experiences made specifically to cater to all ages, interests, and tastes. 

One main feature that goes through the three Thematic Districts is the series of tree-lined, self-shaded, human-scaled streets, accommodating courtyard spaces with different sizes and varying themes.

Within each Thematic District, a central spine runs through its length, creating special shaded places enhanced with water features, event stages, activity areas, and rest places. These meeting hubs are “clustered underneath a series of dramatic and elegant funnel-shaped shade structures”.

Courtesy of Hopkins ArchitectsCourtesy of Hopkins Architects

Once the visitors navigate away from the central spine, they find a series of cozier and more intimate streets that drive them to discover new spaces and places. Although different in terms of themes, the three Thematic Districts united to the aim of “showcasing opportunity for participants, a hub for innovation as well as a canvas to display new ideas”—check out the UK’s pavilion in Expo 2020 displaying AI-generated poems on its facade. 

Hopkins Architects designed this project looking forward to achieving the Gold certificate in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and with the intention of repurposing the scheme in legacy mode.

After the Expo 2020 mega event serves its purpose, the Thematic Districts will serve as a hub for creative startups and innovative tech companies with unique retail offerings and a range of residential units. 

Courtesy of Hopkins ArchitectsCourtesy of Hopkins Architects

Starting October 1st, 2020 and lasting till March 31st, 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MEASA). The Expo 2020 accommodates 86 pavilions with a total floor area of 170,000 square meters and expects 25 million visitors. Moreover, a 20% Energy demand reduction is needed to achieve LEED Gold.