A handful of participating countries at Expo 2020 Dubai have passed the proverbial baton over to young local talents. Specifically nine pavilions (listed below in alphabetical order) will bring the designs of their students to life, an empowering gesture that allows the emerging creatives to paint a picture of their homelands for the diverse audiences of the World Expo. These students thoroughly researched the country’s history, priorities and challenges to offer an honest, down-to-earth visitor experience.
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Djibouti Pavilion: Adapted to the vision of students from National University of Djibouti, the pavilion is modelled after shipping containers. As the visitors walk through a narrow meandering path, they will learn of the country’s goal to become Africa’s largest logistics centre by 2035, given its close proximity to the Arabian Peninsula. Explore Djibouti’s rich heritage through handicrafts on display.
Image Credit: Expo 2020 Dubai
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Grenada Pavilion: In 2018, through a design competition, the then university student Kerlyn Ariel Anne Frank won the opportunity to dictate the pavilion’s theme of ‘The movement of people, culture, products and services’ and visualise it as well. Described as the ‘Island of Spice’, the Caribbean country will have nutmeg at its heart, literally, with an abstract installation of the spice. It is all about native spices, chocolate and Grenadian beats on this isle.
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Malawi Pavilion: A team of students from The Polytechnic, University of Malawi, emerged winners from a similar design competition for the Malawi Pavilion. Visitors are to follow the journey of a young rural child who embodies the country as a young democracy with untapped potential. This narrative flows in a spatial exhibition showcasing Malawi’s booming agriculture and tourism sectors. Learn how to play the traditional Malawi board game ‘Bawo’ among other native products on display.
Image Credit: Expo 2020 Dubai
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Myanmar Pavilion: A student from West Yangon Technological University designed Myanmar’s simple yet unique wooden architecture. In here, visitors get to embark on a peaceful journey and marvel at Burmese treasures such as murals, embroidery and lacquerware in person. The interior is meant to inspire introspection and self-reflection among visitors as they cross five zones showcasing the beauty of Myanmar.
Image Credit: Expo 2020 Dubai
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St. Kitts and Nevis Pavilion: This ocean-themed pavilion is the brainchild of Nevis Sixth Form College students, an island paradise come to life with pictures of the country’s marine wildlife. Visitors can peer into infinity mirrors for a peek into the twin-island’s natural environment and even get to feel like they are walking underwater thanks to the mesh-covered ceiling. Keep an eye out for Sugar Mas – the St. Kitts and Nevis national carnival – and learn what the tradition is all about from costumes to dances.
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San Marino Pavilion: A team of five students (Roberto Alesi, Luca Barbieri, Obi Fidler, Claudia Panfili and Irene Trotta) from the University of San Marino, led by Milan-based designer Lucy Salamanca, conceptualised the San Marino Pavilion. Visitors will journey through four sections, tracing the enclave country’s past, present and vision for the future. Did you know that in the 19th century a treasure trove of the Ostrogoths (a Germanic tribe) was found in the San Marino city of Domagnano? The 22 pieces of jewellery will be specially recreated for Expo.
Image Credit: San Marino Pavilion
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Sri Lanka Pavilion: If spiritual peace is your definition of a good time, Sri Lanka wants you to know that their pavilion is ‘So Sri Lanka,’ the pavilion design courtesy of students at the University of Moratuwa. Zen out at the water-themed pavilion with a cup of freshly brewed tea while you browse the spiritual hotspots of the island country. Visitors can enjoy showcases that highlight the nation’s preserved ecosystems as well as Sri Lanka’s best practices in trade and tourism.
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Suriname Pavilion: In Suriname, ‘moksie patu’ or mixed pot, is an ethos for diversity meaning ‘everything in one’. Designed by students, the pavilion is an ode to nature. Because rivers and canals are an important means of transport in Suriname, the pavilion features a shimmering waterfall. Curious to know which animal species indigenous to the country prowl in the jungles? Take a night walk surrounded by the sounds of these creatures.
Image Credit: Expo 2020 Dubai
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Zimbabwe Pavilion: Zimbabwe tells the world that it is an untapped jewel of Africa. Designed by students of National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo, the pavilion takes inspiration from the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe and the breath-taking Victoria Falls, two of the seven wonders to be showcased as well. Walls of the pavilions are modelled after the savannahs themselves, displaying blue skies and orange-tinged sunsets.
Image Credit: Expo 2020 Dubai
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