Construction began on the United Arab Emirates’ pavilion like no other. Called the Golden Sand Dune, it's inspired by one of the country’s most illustrious natural landscapes over which each of the seven emirates presides. Flawlessly combining nature and architecture to create a dream like structure, it will amaze visitors of the Shanghai 2010 expo. Outlined with gold-colored stainless steel and wind-shaped roof, the new structure will add a shimmer effect and change colors, molding itself as one with natural environments.
Designers said the shape of the pavilion is designed in response to Shanghai’s weather. It will protect against the direct glare of the city’s summer sun but allow indirect light to enter the pavilion via louvers.
The pavilion can be easily constructed and deconstructed on site and it will be one of the largest exhibition spaces for the expo.
Gerard Evenden, the project’s Senior Partner says, "The cities of the UAE rise from the desert and the pavilion will similarly emerge to form a natural counterpoint to Shanghai’s urban landscape. Like a sand dune, it is oriented to the direction of the wind and is a powerful example of an organic and highly effective passive environmental design."
A great example of how two very different cultures can blend and create something unique and beautiful.
Sand Dune Architecture
UAE Pavilion Will Shimmer, Morph and Change Color
Trend Themes
1. Nature-inspired Architecture - Opportunity for architects to design structures that incorporate natural landscapes and elements.
2. Interactive and Transformative Architecture - Opportunity for architects to design structures that can change colors and shapes based on weather and other environmental factors.
3. Sustainable Passive Designs - Opportunity for architects to design structures that use passive environmental designs to minimize impact on the environment.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Opportunity for architects to use cutting edge technology and eco-friendly designs to create structures that blend with natural surroundings.
2. Construction - Opportunity for construction companies to utilize innovative building materials to construct eco-friendly structures that can be easily assembled and disassembled.
3. Exhibition and Events - Opportunity for events companies to create immersive experiences for visitors using interactive and transformative designs.