“Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Osaka: A Journey into Cultural and Architectural Depth”
At the 2025 Osaka Expo, which showcases cultural exhibitions from around the world, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, designed by Foster + Partners, offers an exceptional experience. This blends cultural depth with outstanding architectural design. This pavilion steers away from a purely exhibitionist approach and instead presents a journey. It introduces visitors to the architectural and cultural layers that define the identity of Saudi cities.
Pavilion Design: A Dialogue Between Heritage and Modernity
Located in the Yumeshima waterfront area, the pavilion captivates visitors with its remarkable architectural vision. The design reflects a more intimate concept, combining traditional architectural elements found in Saudi villages with modern architectural ideas. Narrow passageways and shaded courtyards create a sense of wandering through ancient streets. This evokes a feeling of time and place at every corner.
Luke Fox, Head of the Foster + Partners Studio, states: “The project is a celebration of Saudi culture, bringing to life the beautiful streets and landscapes that define the Kingdom.” This cultural touch intertwines with the architectural aspects. It creates an interactive environment that allows visitors to engage more deeply with each part of the pavilion.
Visitor Experience: Between Exhibition and Reality
The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Osaka is not just a cultural exhibition but an experience. It merges spatial narration with site-making. Visitors are guided through spaces where the boundaries between the exhibition and the surrounding environment are blurred. This creates an immersive experience that integrates the cultural display with the surrounding reality.
This journey takes visitors on a tour through the architectural space. It artistically and spiritually reflects the transformations occurring in Saudi Arabia.
“Foster + Partners and Architectural Heritage: Embodying Saudi Culture at the Osaka Pavilion”
The Saudi Arabia Pavilion, designed by Foster + Partners for the 2025 Osaka Expo, is not just an architectural showcase; it forms a cinematic experience. This portrays the Kingdom’s evolution from heritage to modernity. At the heart of this pavilion lies the Saudi courtyard, which represents the center of the design and the contemplative spirit of the architectural space.
The Saudi Courtyard: A Center of Comfort and Reflection
The Saudi courtyard is one of the most prominent features that reveal the architectural character of the Kingdom. During the day, this space provides an atmosphere of comfort and reflection. At night, it transforms into a dynamic place full of life, with lights, music, and activity. This reflects the continuous interaction between the urban environment and the cultural aspect of Saudi Arabia.
The Meandering Streets Network: An Invitation to Immerse in Culture
Inside the pavilion, visitors wander through a network of winding streets, each offering distinctive spaces that allow them to interact with various elements. The pavilion features collaboration with 59 artworks that deepen the cultural experience through “windows and entrances.” These artworks offer immersive glimpses into daily life, art, and Saudi culture. These spaces go beyond traditional exhibitions, serving as gateways that open to a deeper understanding of Saudi heritage.
The Balance Between Tradition and Modernity
As Tony Miki, Partner at Foster + Partners, observes, the pavilion serves as a miniature version of Saudi Arabia’s urban areas. It carefully blends tradition and heritage while showcasing the modern techniques that define the Kingdom’s future.
A New Approach to Storytelling
For his part, Leo Warner, Journey Director, explains that the pavilion represents a unique way of telling the story of Saudi Arabia within the context of the exhibition. It serves as a dialogue platform that allows the Saudi people to narrate their story in an innovative way. This offers a fresh approach to the Kingdom’s brand in the exhibition environment.
“Climate-Responsive Geometric Forms and Ancient Settlements: A Blend of Heritage and Environmental Innovation”
The design of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion in Osaka was developed by Foster + Partners using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques. This advanced approach passively regulates air flow to enhance the pavilion’s environmental performance. The architecture combines organic shapes inspired by ancient settlements in Saudi Arabia, adapted to suit the unique climate of Osaka.
Adapting to the Climate: Innovative Environmental Adaptation Solutions
One of the standout features of the design is how it channels cool winds from the west during the summer months. This helps to naturally cool the pavilion. During colder periods, the winds are directed in the opposite direction to provide natural ventilation. This design represents an innovative approach where Saudi architectural heritage is blended with contemporary environmental performance techniques.
Sustainability Goal: Towards Advanced Environmental Certification
In line with the Kingdom’s visionary goals, the pavilion aims to achieve net-zero operational carbon emissions. It is also targeting the top tier of the Casbee environmental certification in Japan. This emphasizes a strong focus on sustainability and environmental innovation in the design.
Sustainable Legacy: Focusing on Long-Term Adaptation
One of the objectives of the Foster + Partners team is for this pavilion to become an architectural legacy that can endure beyond the duration of the 2025 Osaka Expo. The design ensures that the pavilion will be part of a sustainable heritage, remaining influential long after the expo concludes. Luke Fox, Head of the studio, affirms that every element of the design was thoughtfully considered. The aim was to create a sustainable experience accessible to all.
