Azerbaijan has revealed the design of its country pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai, with experts saying that they have received and broken ground on the plot for the nature-inspired pavilion. Under the theme 'Seeds for the Future', the pavilion will highlight the importance of investing in the future as soon as possible and achieving sustainable development that improves the places in which we live and work. The theme of the pavilion is also a reflection of the value of human capital, and is closely linked to the central theme of Expo 2020 Dubai, 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future'.
Khaleej Times reports in its article Azerbaijan Expo Pavilion will 'plant seeds for the future' that the 2,086sqm plot is divided into a covered area, an underground piazza with stage and tribune, as well as several gardens and walkways. The pavilion will also feature three levels, with an exhibition area totalling of 550sqm, and five thematic content groups will be exhibited to the public using interactive and multimedia stations.
The ground-breaking ceremony took place on the plot at the Expo 2020 Dubai site, in the presence of the general commissioner, Anar Alakbarov, assistant to the first vice president and director of the Heydar Aliyev Center, and Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, executive director, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau.
"We are very proud to break ground on our pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai," said Alakbarov. "Visitors to our pavilion will be made aware of their own power to have an impact on the environment and on social ecosystems. The pavilion will be light-filled, transparent and welcoming, coming to life with events and opportunities to meet - just like our country!"
The project is led by the Heydar Aliyev Center, along with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and designed by the Italian company, Simmetrico. The pavilion's architecture is inspired by two iconic natural elements: the tree and the leaf. It is designed to offer a place where Expo visitors can reflect on major issues related to sustainable development.
The leaf-shaped roof of the pavilion provides a 30-centimetre air cushion, which acts as an additional barrier against high temperatures; and the large windows absorb 58 per cent of solar radiation, while ensuring incredible light inside. Seven pomegranate trees and 15 olive trees will be planted in the lot, the former symbolises prosperity and the latter peace, justice and wisdom. A key design element is that the use of reinforced concrete is very limited; it will only be used for the retaining walls of the excavation and the foundation plinths. In addition, the pavilion is designed to redeploy and recycle 75 per cent of construction materials.
Expo 2020 Dubai will run from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021. The event is expected to draw over 25 million visits, with 70 per cent of visitors projected to come from outside the UAE - the highest proportion of international visitors in the 168-year history of World Expos. A total of 190 nations have confirmed their participation in Expo 2020, highlighting the status of the UAE as a global destination that brings people and countries together.
