metaform architects' luxembourg pavilion at dubai expo is a mobius strip

the spirit of luxembourg takes shape in dubai

for expo 2020 dubai, metaform architects designs its luxembourg pavilion to convey the country’s past, present, and future. at the same time, the team seeks to translate into built form luxembourg’s values — small but ambitious, intriguing yet reassuring, and above all generous and open. with this in mind, the design team employs the looping geometry of the möbius strip, a single surface twisted with neither beginning nor end, representing infinity together with, as the team notes, ‘circular economy and diversity united as one.’

the steel and fiberglass project is realized with 70% reused or recycled materials. although the fiberglass membrane is difficult to recycle, it will ultimately be reused by the producer.

images © steve troes fotodesign

an object separated from the street

the design team at metaform architects shapes its luxembourg pavilion to optimize the flow of expo 2020 dubai visitors. to achieve this, the pavilion is set back from the street and accessed by a long curving ramp. this strategic distancing allows for a clear perception of the project as a whole. keeping in mind that the experience begins with waiting in line, the entrance ramp is conceived as a welcoming red carpet, inviting visitors to discover the building, and guiding them along a continuous, elongated threshold.

metaform architects merges user experience, scenography, and architecture. the team notes that scenography and architecture are complementary in the mission to merge people with the exhibition. in a didactic, interactive, and intuitive way, different projections and animations display the country and its people. collectively, it creates a continuous flux of images from start to finish for experiences on the top second floor. the ribbon becomes a multilayered scenography canvas, alternating floor, wall, and ceiling as means of expression.

the journey through the pavilion

metaform architects organizes its luxembourg pavilion across three levels. the ground floor accommodates a storage area that is accessible from the back, as well as restrooms, a VIP suite, and an administration unit with visibility over the central area. there is also a restaurant with an open kitchen, and a gift shop oriented towards the front area.

the first floor, accessible directly from the main ramp, is a multi-functional space. to accommodate concerts, receptions, and conferences, the side door remains closed, and the ramp guides visitors along without causing disruptions. when hosting a temporary exhibition, the door serves as a barrier, with the indoor space becoming an intuitive part of the flow.

the second floor is the highest reaching point, and is dedicated to the space-themed exhibition. to reach the earth again, a slide down through the picturesque green patio concludes the journey in a way that is fun and playful.

the pavilion takes the form of a möbius strip