The Singapore Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai illustrates the city’s aspiration towards a sustainable future that merges architecture, nature, technology and culture. Under the title “Nature.Nurture.Future”, the pavilion designed by WOHA Architects and landscape design practice Salad Dressing showcases a sample of Singapore’s urban environment that epitomizes its City in Nature vision. The multi-layered green space creates a self-sufficient ecosystem highlighting ideas of sustainability and resilience through the marriage of technology and nature.
Photography by Quentin Sim
This contribution to Expo Dubai speaks of Singapore’s focus on nurturing a sustainable future, showcasing the possibilities of integrating nature within urban environments. Featuring more than 170 varieties of plants from diverse habitats in Singapore and set within different layers of greenery, from hanging gardens to vertical walls, the pavilion creates a tridimensional green space, taking visitors through tropical rainforests, mangrove areas and forest streams. Potable water produced through the on-site solar desalination process is used for drip irrigation, minimizing water consumption.
Photography by Quentin Sim
To carry for the greenery, the pavilion uses three prototype climbing robots that traverse the green walls, inspect the plants’ health, and collect e environmental data. Developed by Singapore-based start-up Oceania Robotics, the robots represent a possible solution for maintaining vertical and skyrise gardens, very common in Sin Singapore’s contemporary architecture.
Photography by Quentin Sim
The pavilion will feature various multimedia experiences depicting environmental challenges and Singapore’s approach to tackling them. The program of events features talks exploring the future of cities, digital exhibits, as well as film screenings and light shows. A curated selection of activities will be available online, allowing people unable to travel to the Expo to experience the project virtually.
Photography by Quentin Sim
Debuting on October 1st, Expo 2020 Dubai brings together an array of national contributions, educational institutions and businesses exploring the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, with a strong focus on sustainability.
Photography by Quentin Sim
More Innovations at Expo 2020 Dubai
Expo 2020 Dubai started October 1st, 2020, and will last six months till the end of March 2022. The masterplan of the World Expo is created by HOK, and it features three Thematic Districts designed by Hopkins Architects that follow the three main themes of Expo 2020 Dubai; Sustainability, Opportunity, and Mobility, with an aim of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.
The long-awaited international event showcases architectural works designed by high-profile firms from around the world, including The Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects, The UAE and Qatar Pavilions created by Santiago Calatrava, and the Monumental Gates of Expo 2020 Dubai designed by Asif Khan.
Much like the Spanish Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai features out-of-the-box ideas, including The UK Pavilion by Es Devlin that uses Artificial Intelligence to create poems and display them on the structure’s facade. You can check here Arch2O’s list of the 10 must-see pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Throughout the six months duration of the Expo, the Spanish Pavilion will host a total of 32 companies, more than 200 artists, and around 100 performances to showcase the Spanish culture in Dubai.
Project Info :
Architect: WOHA Architects
Photography : Quentin Sim
Location : Expo 2020 , Dubai , UAE
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.