The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Creates a New Temporary Biotope in the Desert

The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai proposes a circular climate system that harvests water, energy, manufactures rain and produces food, creating a temporary biotope that embodies the fusion between art, architecture and technology. Designed by V8 Architects, with a visitor experience curated by Kossmanndejong, the pavilion creates a multi-sensory narrative around natural phenomena. Industrial materials like metal sheets, steel tubes, ducts and pipes blend unexpectedly with vegetation and textile fabrics to create a spatial journey culminating in a centrepiece that provides a tranquil stop amidst the bustle of the Expo.

The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Creates a New Temporary Biotope in the Desert - Image 2 of 23The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Creates a New Temporary Biotope in the Desert - Image 3 of 23The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Creates a New Temporary Biotope in the Desert - Image 4 of 23The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Creates a New Temporary Biotope in the Desert - Image 5 of 23The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Creates a New Temporary Biotope in the Desert - More Images+ 18

The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Creates a New Temporary Biotope in the Desert - Image 2 of 23
© Jeroen Musch

The project is a display of experimental solutions to “water scarcity, energy transition and food shortages on a life-sized scale model.” Inside the pavilion, a large cone is the main element of the exhibit- a vertical farm covered in edible plants on the outside and mushrooms on the inside. The chimney-like structure helps regulate temperature and moisture inside the cone. Water is harvested from air humidity and used for plant irrigation, with the pavilion extracting 800 litres of water daily.
The process is powered by renewable energy obtained through lightweight, organic transparent solar cells or OPV designed by artist Marjan van Aubel.

The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Creates a New Temporary Biotope in the Desert - Image 3 of 23
Courtesy of Netherlands Pavilion and Kossmanndejong

Visitors descend into the pavilion on a ramp and start experiencing the shift in temperature. Reinforcing the machine metaphor is the control room that leads inside the central cone where the technical innovations of the pavilion can be seen projected onto white umbrellas. After experiencing the microclimate of the cone and a choreographed rainfall, they take in view the plant-covered structure, and upon exiting, they are met with a scent installation that recreates the smell of Dutch soil created by Birthe Leemeijer.

The textiles featured inside the pavilion are made of biopolymers created from corn starch, while the floor tiles are made of bio-mass material containing mycelium. Embodying the principles of the circular economy, the pavilion is designed for disassembly and reuse. The raw construction materials, a nod to Dutch civil engineering tradition, will be returned to their local owners, while the biomass elements will return to nature.

The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Creates a New Temporary Biotope in the Desert - Image 5 of 23
© Jeroen Musch

Image gallery

See allShow less
About this author
Cite: Andreea Cutieru. "The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Creates a New Temporary Biotope in the Desert" 05 Oct 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/969495/the-netherlands-pavilion-at-expo-2020-dubai-creates-a-new-temporary-biotope-in-the-desert> ISSN 0719-8884

© Jeroen Musch

2020迪拜世博会荷兰馆,在沙漠中创造新的临时生境

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.