netherlands plans luminous, rippling pavilion for expo 2025 osaka

the netherlands pavilion: exploring the power of water

The Netherlands has recently announced its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, set to take place from April 13th to October 13th, 2025 in Osaka, Japan. The pavilion will be characterized by its unique circular design and integration of clean, anthropogenic energy creation. This innovative structure promises to showcase the Netherlands’ creative solutions to global energy challenges, particularly in the realm of sustainable power generation through water-based technologies — visitors to the Netherlands Pavilion will discover new technologies that can harness the power of water.

‘Making clean, renewable energy accessible to everyone is the key to a sustainable society and a sustainable economy,’ says Netherlands Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Liesje Schreinemacher. ‘The Russian war in Ukraine has put energy security higher on many countries’ agendas. I’m proud of the Dutch design, which showcases the innovative solutions that the Netherlands has to offer and introduces visitors to the possibilities of a zero-emission future driven by circularity.’

visualizations © Plomp | @plo.mp

a luminous ‘rising sun’ symbolizes circular design

The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka will addresses one of humanity’s most critical challenges — the recognition that finite resources are not sustainable. Embracing this principle, a circular design will incorporate renewable materials and zero-emission energy sources as the foundation of the structure. Water, as an abundant and clean energy source, plays a prominent role, elegantly reflected in the facade and roof of the circular structure. An important element of the design is its ability to be dismantled and reassembled as needed.

The theme of the Netherlands Pavilion is ‘Common Ground: creating a new dawn together.’ This vision explores new technologies which harness the power of water to produce emission-free energy, providing access to clean power for all. The illuminated sphere, or abstracted ‘rising sun’ will shine brightly at the center of the architecture to symbolize infinite clean energy, sustainability, and circularity.

the architecture symbolizes a rising sun over rippling waters

dutch design to arrive in japan

To be built in time for Expo 2025 Osaka, the Netherlands Pavilion is the result of a collaboration between RAU Architects, engineering consultancy DGMR, experience design studio Tellart and Japanese construction company Asanuma.

‘We are nearing the end of materials and fossil resources,’ says the team at RAU Architects. ‘Our solution is the circular design, with circular materials and zero-emission energy sources. As the pavilion has water as its theme, this is reflected in the design of the facade, the roof and the fact that we consider water as emission-free energy. The entire pavilion is designed to be reassembled and is circular. All materials are registered in a material passport on the Madaster platform. Inside, guests take an interactive journey that builds to an immersive show that brings these transformative ideas to life.’

the fluid facade shades the interiors and lends irregular shadows

expo 2025 osaka: the master plan by Sou Fujimoto

The overall master plan for Expo 2025 Osaka has been designed by Sou Fujimoto. In a recent interview with designboom (see here), the Japanese architect describes the project: ‘The biggest project I am working on is the master design of the Expo Osaka 2025. For this, I proposed a huge ring-shaped roof that serves as a circulation map. The roof not only protects people from sunlight and rain but is also enormous, with a diameter of almost 700 meters. We are designing it using a wooden structure, which presents unique challenges due to the scale and materials involved. However, Japan has a wonderful tradition of historical wood construction, and I aim to draw inspiration from it and blend it with new technology in the construction process.

the pavilion will include interactive exhibits to explore the power of water

‘This work is not only a wonderful trial for working on such a large scale but also an exciting challenge in terms of innovative construction techniques,‘ Sou Fujimoto tells designboom, describing his master plan for the Expo. ‘On the rooftop, visitors can go up and experience a lifted surface that resembles a bank, allowing them to appreciate the sky above and feel completely immersed in the environment. As the location is in the middle of Osaka Bay, no tall structures are around, offering a clear view of the sky in a pure circle. And that must be a very impressive experience that people will look up at the same circle in the sky. And you can imagine we are really sharing this precious nature, and everybody is under it. It’s not just about technical construction but also about creating unforgettable experiences for everyone to cherish.‘

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