Visitors to the UAE pavilion at Expo Milano 2015 will be surprised beyond belief as the first blueprint of the pavilion was unveiled. Inspired by Arabian sand dunes, the pavilion will attract visitors from all over the world and offer a window to Arabian heritage and culture. “The UAE government has invested a lot in this project to show how committed we are,” said Salem Al Ameri, UAE Pavilion Commissioner-General.
The pavilion occupies a large site close to the centre of the Expo and visitors are drawn into the mouth of a canyon-like space, which forms the pavilion’s entrance. Defined by 12-metre-high walls on both sides, the design draws on influences of ancient planning principles. Featuring narrow streets and courtyards reminiscent of the UAE of yesteryear, the walls continue throughout the 140-metre site in a series of parallel waves.
Interestingly, architects commissioned to work on the project have scanned real desert sand to recreate the texture of walls and present shades of sand from all seven emirates.
