A souk-inspired plaza, awnings covered in photovoltaic fabric, impressive country pavilions, spectacular digital projections and the best technological innovation. A futuristic oasis, spread across a sprawling 438-hectare site that promises to ‘honour the traditions of the past, while being a beacon for the future’.
Expectations are high and in keeping with true Dubai tradition, the world awaits a jaw-dropping structure for the Dubai Expo 2020 site. Legacy planning will be deployed at the earliest stages, leveraging every opportunity for Dubai Expo 2020 to re-energise research, innovation and collaboration across the site, says Helal Saeed Al Marri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre and Member of the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo in Dubai.
The site masterplan is by architecture and design consulting firm, HOK. The team includes experts with significant experience in mega events. “There is great emphasis that the site goes far beyond the Expo,” Daniel Hajjar, Senior Vice President, Regional Manager Mea, HOK, tells GN Focus.
Enduring and evolving is the true legacy of the site, which will ensure that the pavilions will be reused as education, research and cultural centres including a museum commemorating the evolution of the UAE. “All the emirates will share the legacy and parts of the site may be showcased across the UAE,” says Hajjar.
The emphasis on reusability ties in with the Expo’s idea of sustainability that is already being acted on, points out Hajjar. “The focus is on visitor experience, including how people will arrive at the site. Almost certainly, no private vehicles will be allowed. Within the site, we are looking at innovative and energy-efficient means of transport such as cable cars,” he says.
At the core of the site is an open plaza called Al Wasl, which is a historical name for Dubai, and branching out from the plaza are three zones that symbolise the sub-themes of sustainability, mobility and opportunity. “The entire plan is meant to be intuitive and interconnected. Live broadcasts, podcasts and interactive information screens will ensure that visitors are aware of whatever is happening anywhere across the Expo. There are plans to ensure that people anywhere in the country can tune into the Expo, with proposed Expo stations in all the emirates and in Dubai,” says Hajjar.
