Spain's Ultra Light Pavilion of Inflatables for Dubai Expo 2020

Selgascano + FRPO have been declared the finalists in the competition organized by Acción Cultural Española (AC/E) to design Spain’s pavilion for the Dubai Expo 2020. Their ultra light pavilion design comprises nine inflatable cylinders!

The theme of the World Expo 2020 in Dubai is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” with Sustainability, Mobility, and Opportunity being the subthemes. The Expo is expected to welcome 25 million visitors, as 180 countries participate in its upcoming version.

Also, read:

The ultra light pavilion designed by Selgascano and FRPO has an inflatable canopy of nine yellow recycled-EFTE cylinders. These inflatable cylinders are supported by a steel framework. The pavilion is designed as a new take on the traditional Spanish plaza, giving visitors a variety of ways to enjoy the structure. The inflatables provide shade for an elevated square that welcomes visitors and includes space for hosting events. Below the square, there is space for holding exhibitions and services. Selgascano and FRPO have actually taken advantage of the cool weather that coincides with the timing of the Dubai Expo, by designing a structure that has a massive amount of open space.

Spanish Pavilion. Image Courtesy of Selgascano & FRPO

The public square’s historic link to water is also examined and reinterpreted. The designers state that the water in the pavilion is “contained, conducted and recirculated, never wasted.” There are 3 areas inside the pavilion with native vegetation and flowing water. These zones are introduced into the pavilion to reduce the heat inside the open structure as well as to act as a source of shade. These areas of vegetation bring life into the pavilion.

Located at the core of the ultralight pavilion are offices, bathrooms, stairs, and elevators. The architects have also included a restaurant and a tapas bar in the scheme. The terrace of the tapas bar merges with the elevated square creating space for different programs to take place. The roof of the restaurant has a bar with breathtaking views of the Plaza. Accessible via a circular staircase, the bar acts as a place to rest, relax, and observe the surroundings. The scheme mixes gastronomy with spatial and sensory stimuli to create an experience that visitors will not forget.

Spanish Pavilion. Image Courtesy of Selgascano & FRPO

After a gentle climb, visitors are welcomed into the Plaza with a patio garden. The first phase of the experience is the ramp that takes the visitors to the shaded space below. There are AV projections along the side, leading people to the Exposition Gallery at the end of the route. The Gallery has a landscaped patio to bring in natural light and ventilation, and it can be closed off if necessary. At the end of the gallery, there is a store beyond which is a third landscaped zone and a multipurpose area. Then a spiral staircase, in this zone, leads the visitors back to the plaza.

The Spanish Pavilion is designed to be an icon in the Dubai Expo 2020. With an ultra-light structure that can be dismantled and transported, this sustainable design will captivate visitors. Two cylinders of the pavilion are designed to move up and down, based on the light, breeze, and weather condition; hence the name “Breathing Pavilion”. Also, a matrix of fans is placed under the moving canopy to help circulate air.

Spanish Pavilion. Image Courtesy of Selgascano & FRPO

The pavilion is a zero-emission structure, with 1000 square meters of PV panels on its roof. Additionally, the inflatable roof is made up of over 80% certified recycled EFTE.

Cylindrical steel pillars and curved steel beams form the structural subsystem of the pavilion, which makes it easier to assemble and dismantle it. Moreover, it increases the lightness of the structure. All of which allows the pavilion to take on other lives and uses after Expo 2020.

The Spanish Pavilion will definitely give a surprising and unexpected experience to all the visitors of the Expo 2020. The Dubai Expo 2020 is scheduled to be held between 20th October 2020 and 21st April 2021.