The Austrian participation “Austria makes sense” shows a holistic approach, that connects people, technology and nature. Standing on a 2400-square-meter plot in the Opportunity thematic area, the pavilion is in close proximity to Switzerland and China. On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs (BMDW) and the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) and according to the ideas of Querkraft Architekten, NUSSLI Adunic, as general contractor, is constructing the entire pavilion.
Architecture with a Playful Appearance
The architecture of the pavilion stands out and makes people think. Thirty-eight conical towers made of precast concrete elements cut off at different heights form the extraordinary structure. Natural building materials, a smart low-tech approach and intelligent climate engineering are part of the pavilion concept which arose out of a dialogue between traditional structural engineering and innovative knowhow from Austria.
Traditional Structural Engineering and Innovation from Austria
The clay plaster in the interior provides comfort and a pollution-free, balanced indoor climate. In the exhibition visitors will experience Austria with all their senses and with support of digital technology in different ways. Visitors will embark on an inspiring expedition through the exhibition that becomes possible by creative use of digitalization and Austrian high-tech solutions.
The iLab knowledge platform presents products, solutions and services Made in Austria. As a place of inspiration, information, innovation and interaction, the iLab can be used for workshops, lectures and other formats. In addition to the exhibition area, the iLab and the coffee house, the pavilion offers a VIP area and a shady courtyard.
About Expo 2020
Due to the corona pandemic, Expo 2020 Dubai took place one year later. Under the motto "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future," the Expo gates were open in Dubai from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. It was the first World Expo to be held in an Arab and Muslim country. More than 190 countries and organizations presented themselves on the three thematic clusters Opportunities, Sustainability and Mobility, which together had the size of 610 football fields. Almost 25 million visitors, mostly from abroad, were at the Expo in Dubai.
Impressions
Awards
| Award | Status | Category |
|---|---|---|
| German Design Award | Special Mention | Eco Design |
| Built Design Awards | Winner | Architectural Design - Sustainable & Energy Saving |
| Global Architecture & Design Award | Winner | Sustainable Architecture |
| BIE Official Participants Award Expo 2020 Dubai | Silver | Architecture, Self-Built Pavilions Category M |
| Austria Green Planet Building Award | Winner | High standards of sustainable construction |
| EXHIBITOR Magazine's World Expo Award | Winner | Best Sustainable Design |
| Urban Design & Architecture Design Award | Gold | Temporary Structure |
| Green GOOD DESIGN® | Winner | Architecture/Urban Planning/Landscape Architecture |
| Architizer A+Awards | Jury Winner | Concept / Architecture + Sustainability |
| Staatspreis design 2022 | Auszeichnung | Spaces & Environment (Expo VIP Lounge) |
| 2A Veneration and Innovative Achievement Memorial Icon Award | Specially Venerated Pavilions | Innovative and Transformative Ideas in Architecture |
| ADC Architecture & Design Community | Platinum Winner | Pop-ups and Temporary Architecture Built |
| XAVER Award | Bronze | Best Supplier Services |
| reddot design award | Winner | Design Concept | Architecture |