22/03/2024
Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava designed the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The 15,000 square meter pavilion stands as a “symbolic interpretation of the flow of movement,” designed with carefully curated lines and spaces that blend with its surroundings of greenery, shaded arcades and cantilevered pavilions. The National Monument is set to provide an immersive, multi-sensory experience for visitors from an architectural standpoint, as well as integrated cinematic features, to introduce them to the history, culture and future innovations of the UAE.
To translate the main theme of the pavilion, which is “wings that depict the flow of movement,” the roof structure consists of a hybrid system between shell and portal frame, consisting of 28 wings. The wings can be opened within 3 minutes, covering a range of 110 to 125 degrees. In terms of mechanism, 46 hydraulic actuators activate the rotation of the wings, acting as pistons. Once activated, hydraulic oil is forced through these actuators, causing the pistons to extend to open the wings to their full power. Calatrava's commitment to sustainable design is highlighted by photovoltaic panels produced in the UAE and integrated into the roof structure. In addition to being aesthetically attractive once combined with the open wings, the latter also serve as protection from rain and sandstorms when closed, and absorb sunlight to accumulate energy once open.
