The national pavilion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes its first visitors at Expo 2025 Osaka. The latest photographs showcase Foster + Partners‘ design, aiming to create a spatial experience that evokes the character of Saudi Arabian towns and cities. Positioned at the Yumeshima waterfront, the pavilion offers visitors an engaging journey of discovery through the ‘village’ of meandering streets that alternate spaces of quiet reflection with venues for performances and cultural experiences.
The pavilion’s massing recalls the organic shapes of traditional Saudi villages. The design has been carefully crafted using computational fluid dynamics simulations to allow cool winds from the west into the streets during the height of summer. In the cooler months of April and October, a landscaped forecourt acts as a barrier to protect the pavilion from harsher northerly winds.
Inside, visitors encounter a series of immersive spaces designed in collaboration with Journey, comprising 59 Productions and Squint/Opera. These spaces offer a multisensory experience that highlights Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, artistic endeavors, and contemporary advancements. The pavilion aims to create meaningful connections between visitors and the Kingdom’s evolving narrative.
Sustainability is a core principle of the pavilion’s design. Constructed with low-carbon materials, the structure incorporates energy-saving luminaires and rooftop photovoltaic technologies to generate electricity. The pavilion is designed to achieve net-zero operational carbon and aspires to attain the highest level of Japan’s CASBEE environmental rating system. Additionally, it is the first temporary structure to receive the WELL Health and Safety Rating (HSR) certification.
Inclusivity is also central to the pavilion’s design. Features such as a ramped entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, and a calm room for sensory-sensitive visitors ensure that the space is welcoming to all. The pavilion’s adaptable design, including a façade made from lightweight Saudi stone composite, allows for efficient deconstruction and potential reassembly in future locations, extending its lifespan beyond the Expo.
For a closer look at Expo 2025 Osaka and detailed insights into the diverse array of participating pavilions, explore our comprehensive coverage of Expo 2025 Pavilions.
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