Pakistan
Pakistan Pavilion at the World Expo in Dubai

INNOVATIVE AND TRANSFORMATIVE IDEAS IN ARCHITECTURE

The Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2020 has been an eye-catcher to the public and has managed to pull in over 750k visitors from the moment it opened its door to the public. One of the greatest reasons happens to be the facade that manages to flawlessly capture the seasonal transitions in Pakistan and the diversity it has to offer — geographically, climatically, culturally, ethnically, and racially. This portrayal of diversity draws the crowd to experience the exhibit inside the Pavilion, curated on the theme of «Pakistan – the Hidden Treasure.» Furthermore, the facade›s aura, flow, and transition between colors amplify this diversity and highlight Pakistan as a prime destination for unique experiences. The artistic intervention is titled ‹Unity of All That Appears› by the renowned visual artist Rashid Rana. The Facade melds together 24,000 seemingly identical but entirely unique panels, each fractionally different from the adjacent ones in size and color. It offers visitors a multiplicity of views as they walk around/towards the Pavilion. The much-spoken-about facade features a rainbow of colors and is mainly made of aluminum composite panels, with half the surface in the reflective finish while the rest is printed material. The visitors will simultaneously experience an abstract landscape of color and reflection into the exterior surface.
«The difference is not visible to the naked eye when you compare adjacent panels, but it becomes apparent as you view it from a distance. Therefore, subtly, this artistic intervention conveys the ability of the country to unify yet preserve the freedom of diverse groups. It embodies the future of Pakistan by creating new trajectories.» says Rashid Rana, the man behind the facade.
The Pavilion consists of 8 well-thought spaces referred to as the inner journey.
Each space highlights the Hidden Treasures of Pakistan, leaving the visitors mesmerized and informed. It truly is fascinating how the internal exhibits tie in brilliantly with the exterior of the Pavilion without forcing a connection intentionally. The exterior and the interior effortlessly have the theme of Pakistan›s diversity common between them.
© Michele Nastasi
© Michele Nastasi
Visitors to the Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will surely be in for a visual treat. The design for the Pakistan Pavilion will remind visitors of the vivid colors of a painting. The sleekness of design will come together to enhance the architecture- a truly hybrid work of creative practice. This beautiful and engaging façade has the potential to be a top ‹selfie› and art spot for visitors, which is why it is one of the top 3 pavilions at the Expo this year.