Following an international competition, AMDL CIRCLE has been selected to create the pavilion which will represent the spirit and vision of the Nordic Countries at the Expo Osaka in 2025. Their proposal takes a sustainable and circular approach, as the structure is purposely designed for disassembly and reuse. Technically developed and engineered by Rimond and conceived by AMDL CIRCLE, the pavilion aims to showcase the Nordic people’s respect and connection with the environment while offering ample space for the display of technological innovations.
Central to this vision is a commitment to sustainability and circularity. The structure is planned to be built entirely of forest-managed wood, with a design that blends tradition and modernity. The shape of the building is also influenced by the climatic impact, a relationship further strengthened by the Pavilion’s external entrance area and rooftop hospitality terrace, spaces designed to invite visitors to experience the natural outdoor landscape and learn more about the region.
The dark outer color of the cladding is obtained by applying natural oils and pigments, a traditional technique for protecting timber surfaces and prolonging the life of the material. The use of the technique aims to further demonstrate the compatibility between traditional and indigenous knowledge and technological innovation while also highlighting the Nordic culture of economy of resources and connection with nature.
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First Look at Expo 2025 Osaka: Previewing Sou Fujimoto's Masterplan and the Initial National Pavilion DesignsInside, the pavilion is designed to become a canvas for the immersive exhibition which will showcase the innovations of the Nordic Countries, further demonstrating their guiding principles of collaboration, trust, and foresight. The large open space is set to house a technological display blending the ideals of tradition and sustainability with technological advancements in a bid to captivate, educate, and inspire visitors.
With a master plan led by architect Sou Fujimoto, the Expo Osaka 2025 is set to commence on April 13, 2025, under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." Several other countries have also announced the designers chosen to represent them. Mario Cucinella Architects has recently revealed images of the proposed Italian Pavilion, imagined as a collaborative repository of Italian expertise, artistic, and scientific works. The Spanish Pavilion, which aims to pay homage to the ‘secrets’ of Spanish navigation, is designed by architecture and design practices Néstor Montenegro (EXTUDIO), Enorme Studio, and Smart and Green Design. Similarly, China’s Pavilion, created by the CADG, resembles traditional Chinese inscribed slips and incorporates elements of bamboo, Chinese characters, and ancient books.
