Winners of Dubai Expo 2020 announced
The winners of Dubai Expo 2020 have been announced today for the three major pavilions that will form a major part of the Expo presence. Thirteen global architecture practices run for the competition that was launched in July 2015 by Emaar, on behalf of Expo 2020.
Foster + Partners. Courtesy of © Expo 2020 Dubai
The competition sought to identify the designs for the three theme pavilions of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, under the Expo’s 2020 theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. A key judging criterion was to ensure the designs are sustainable and flexible to allow for full functionality even after the Expo has concluded in 2021. The following firms were selected to create designs for each of the pavilions:
The Opportunity Pavilion
The winning design for the Opportunity pavilion was submitted by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) is shaped by a belief that contemporary urban life is shaped by a confluence of cultural exchange, global economic trends and communication technology. One more criteria of the design is that the structures created would have the flexibility and longevity to continue as landmarks and functional structures after the six month-long event finishes in 2021.
Grimshaw. Courtesy of © Expo 2020 Dubai
The Mobility Pavilion
Foster and Partners, the internationally renowned practice, based in London, submitted the winning proposal for the Mobility Pavilion. Their design drew on nearly four decades of pioneering designs including Dubai’s The Index building, and the master plan for Masdar City.
The Sustainability Pavilion
The winning design for the Sustainability Pavilion, which will become a long term technology cluster, was submitted by Grimshaw Architects. The firm designed the Eden project in Cornwall, UK, and is known for its work in the field of sustainable architecture.
BIG. Courtesy of © Expo 2020 Dubai
Ibrahim Abdelhady is an architect, academic, and media entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in architecture and digital publishing. He is the Founder and CEO of Arch2O.com, a leading platform in architectural media, renowned for showcasing innovative projects, student work, and critical discourse in design. Holding dual PhDs in Architecture, Dr. Abdelhady combines academic rigor with industry insight, shaping both future architects and architectural thought. He actively teaches, conducts research, and contributes to the global architecture community through his writing, lectures, and media ventures. His work bridges the gap between practice and academia, pushing the boundaries of how architecture is communicated in the digital age.