Expo 2020 Dubai: Qatar Pavilion draws inspiration from country's Coat of Arms
Sculpture and structure meet in this sustainable, functional pavilion
The Qatar Pavilion’s architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava will offer an artistic representation of the Middle Eastern country’s Coat of Arms through the construct at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Qatar’s Coat of Arms, which sees two crossed and curved swords, encompassing a Dhow and Island with palm trees, finds expression in Expo 2020’s Sustainability District.
The 960-square-metre pavilion will take guests on an immersive experience through Qatar’s rich history and culture, said a statement released by Calatrava . It added that the principal collaborators on the project are Aurecon, the Engineer of Record, and contracting firm ALEC. The structure is expected to be completed next month.
The main building will ascend to nearly 15 metres, with an adjacent sculptural monument rising to 20 metres. Inside this sculptural construction, visitors will see two main galleries and exhibition spaces.
Micael Calatrava, CEO of Calatrava International, describes the design process for the Qatar Pavilion. “Inspiration is derived from Qatar’s national emblem to truly capture the essence and vision of the nation. The architectural gesture and structural form of the pavilion, which houses the entire visitor experience, mirrors the shape of the dhow and its grand sails. The sculptural monument at the entrance of the pavilion represents an abstract translation and fusion of two intertwined palm trees, while the reflective pools and integrated water features surrounding the pavilion, represent the Arabian Gulf which encompasses the nation of Qatar,” he says.
The Qatar Pavilion is designed as a sustainable and functional structure, the statement adds.