santiago calatrava’s falcon pavilion chosen to represent UAE at dubai expo 2020
images courtesy of masdar / santiago calatrava

selected from 11 proposals submitted by nine acclaimed firms around the world, spanish architect santiago calatrava‘s dynamic winged pavilion will be realized to represent the UAE at expo 2020 in dubai. under the theme of ‘connecting minds, creating the future’, the ‘falcon-inspired’ design will sit facing the al wasl plaza, which is the heart of the 200-hectare exhibition zone.

the sculptural building is a reference to a falcon in flight

this will be calatrava’s second announced dubai project in addition to the observation tower in the city’s creek harbor. the pavilion is expected to measure up to 15,000 square meters and will include numerous exhibition areas, an auditorium, food and beverage outlets and VIP lounges. additionally, it will utilize and embrace sustainable building principles.

the competition saw 9 of the world’s most renowned architectural firms submit 11 concepts

‘I am deeply honored that our practice has been chosen to design the national pavilion for dubai expo 2020, a project of national and global significance.’ comments architect santiago calatrava, ‘I am confident that the final design will be a symbol of the bold and daring spirit of the UAE, reflected in what is poised to be the most inclusive and global expo in history.’

the pavilion is expected to cover up to 15,000 square meters

referencing a falcon in flight and reflecting the past and future spirit the UAE aims to portray. masdar (abu-dhabi-based renewable energy company) CEO mohamed al ramahi adds, ‘we will capitalise on our experience developing masdar city, which is on a journey to being the most sustainable urban development in the world, to ensure the delivery of an innovative, high-performance pavilion and community space that embraces the Expo’s themes of mobility, opportunity and sustainability.’