The 2,100-square-metre Luxembourg Pavilion on the Expo 2020 site is encircled by a Mobius band, i.e. a surface with only one side and only one boundary curve. The imposing structure, which select media were given a tour of on May 31, was designed by Luxembourg-based architecture studio Metaform. Here’s a look at some lesser-known elements of the pavilion in the Opportunity District.
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Did you know? The fluid form of the facade is held by steel pipes that form nearly 1,000 joints and every single link bends at a different angle than the next. The pavilion, theme of which is ‘Resourceful Luxembourg’, sources 170 tonnes of steel made from recycled scraps through its partner ArcelorMittal, a Luxembourgish steel and mining company that was in charge of supplying steel sections for the construction of the world's tallest building, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.
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The visitor journey begins at the foot of the pavilion, where a bending path shaded by the strip overhead directs visitors to the exhibitions inside. In a true visual representation of circular architecture, the infinity loop serves as the floor, wall and ceiling.
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During a visit, one will see five themes play out along the winding exhibition through scenography. Starting with 'Diverse', the exhibit will dive into the multicultural fabric of the nation, leading to 'Connecting', where Luxembourg's digital strategy will be given a platform. Moving on to 'Sustainable', visitors will explore what it means for the country to go green, followed by 'Enterprising' that sheds light on Luxembourgish firms such as ArceloMittal, Guardian Glass and the space and terrestrial telecommunications provider SES. Concluding the exhibition is an open-air atrium that explores the theme ‘Beauty of Luxembourg’.
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At the highest point of the journey, visitors will enter a dim-lit room with a screen, on which Luxembourg's space economy will be introduced to the audience. The pavilion uses a surround sound system to add depth to the narrative in the enclosed space. From this area, visitors will have the option of picking their exit.
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Your exodus options: stairs, ramp or a slide. In the adventurous spirit of Schueberfouer, an annual Luxembourgish fun fair, the pavilion has a built-in tube slide that transports the visitor from the top-most floor to the ground level.
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The only pavilion to have a slide, Luxembourg's very own ride is set in an environment that replicates the nation's natural reserves visible to the visitor sliding down the tube. In an effort to evoke all the five senses, the slide will be perfumed with the scents of Luxembourgish woodlands.
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While the second floor is branded as a multi-purpose space for temporary exhibitions, the ground floor is where visitors will find not only traditional Luxembourgish cuisine including trout dishes but international food to depict the diverse gastronomy of the nation. The restaurant will be brought to life with the ideas of young cooks from the Luxembourg Hotel and Tourism School.
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