Fentress Architects Chosen to Design USA Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai

Fentress Architects Chosen to Design USA Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai - Image 1 of 6
Pictured here, the masterplan for the World Expo 2020 Dubai designed by HOK. Image Courtesy of HOK

Fentress Architects has been chosen to design the USA Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai. The American Pavilion 2020 will sit within the 438-hectare masterplan designed by HOK, pictured above.

The U.S. Department of State selected the consortium containing Fentress Architects, led by Big Things Group, to deliver a pavilion based on the theme “What Moves You,” featuring highlights of American culture and technology. The team will seek to use the program as “a showcase of the innovation, creativity, and diversity that defines the United States.”

Fentress Architects Chosen to Design USA Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai - Image 2 of 6
Denver Art Museum Ponti North Building by Fentress and Machado Silvetti. Image Courtesy of Fentress and Machado Silvetti
Fentress Architects Chosen to Design USA Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai - Image 6 of 6
Miami Beach Convention Center by Fentress Architects. Image Courtesy of Fentress Architects

While images of the proposed pavilion are yet to be revealed, the design team describe their role as to "create a powerful metaphor for the dynamism of American culture and values of ingenuity, progress, and innovation through form and color." The scheme is set to build on Fentress' experience in Dubai, where their "Dancing Sisters" mixed-use towers opened in 2012.

Founded by Curtis Fentress, the firm has amassed a portfolio spanning airports, museums, convention centers, laboratories, and government buildings, and holds a Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture.

Fentress Architects Chosen to Design USA Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai - Image 4 of 6
Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine by Fentress Architects. Image © Jason A. Knowles

Working across the U.S. has given Fentress Architects diverse perspective on the attributes and attitudes that Americans share. We will coalesce these characterstics into a single architectural expression at Expo 2020 Dubai, representing the entirety of the U.S. and its design prowess to an international audience.
-Frederick Bush, Principal, Big Things Group

Fentress Architects Chosen to Design USA Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai - Image 5 of 6
Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel by Fentress Architects. Image © Jason A. Knowles
Fentress Architects Chosen to Design USA Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai - Image 3 of 6
National Museum of the Marine Corps by Fentress Architects. Image © James P. Scholz

Dubai will be the first Middle Eastern city to host a World Fair in the exhibition’s 160-year history, with more than 25 million people expected to attend the Expo throughout its six-month duration from October 2020 to April 2021. The World Fair is the third largest global event after the Olympics and FIFA World Cup.

The Expo 2020 will also feature a UAE Pavilion designed by Santiago Calatrava, a Luxembourg Pavilion by Metaform and The Space Factory, a Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw, and themed pavilions by Foster + Partners and Bjarke Ingels Group.

News via: Pavilion USA 2020

Image gallery

See allShow less
About this author
Cite: Niall Patrick Walsh. "Fentress Architects Chosen to Design USA Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai" 16 Jul 2018. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/898309/fentress-architects-chosen-to-design-usa-pavilion-for-world-expo-2020-in-dubai> ISSN 0719-8884

Pictured here, the masterplan for the World Expo 2020 Dubai designed by HOK. Image Courtesy of HOK

Fentress 建筑师事务所将为2020年迪拜世博会设计美国馆

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.