On the occasion of Expo 2020 in Dubai, the façade of the Japan pavilion designed by Yuko Nagayama and Associates has been unveiled. This pavilion focuses on the theme of connection, which is reflected through three-dimensional geometric shapes that recall traditional Japanese and Arabic patterns, which is intended to demonstrate the connection between both cultures. Also, you can see the reference to the traditional art of origami.

The pavilion houses the theme "Join.Sync.Act.", A preview of what can be seen at Expo 2025 in Osaka. It is located within the Opportunity District (there is also the Mobility and Sustainability District). This last characteristic, sustainability, is the one that is to be emphasized throughout the Expo, which is why a cooling system has been incorporated into the construction that is respectful with the environment.

The Expo 2020 in Dubai was postponed due to the coronavirus, so it will begin on October 1, 2021, and can be visited until March 31, 2022. The Japan pavilion has a schedule from 10:00 to 00:00 for visitors.
Centred around the theme of connection, Japan's Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai unfolds a geometrical 3D lattice inspired by the commonalities of traditional Japanese and Arabic patterns. Designed by Yuko Nagayama and Associates, the project uncovers through different architectural means the cultural similarities between Japan and the Middle East.

The tridimensional façade combines Arabesque and Asanoha patterns while also referencing the traditional Japanese art of Origami. The structure enveloping the pavilion is also a reference to the Japanese art of Origata gift wrapping. As Nagayama describes it: "in terms of the cultural connection, I took my starting point from the similarities we can see between Middle Eastern and Japanese geometrical patterns, and explored this across a facade that is a new kind of geometrical 3D lattice serving as the structure and environmental filter." 

In keeping with Expo 2020 Dubai's emphasis on sustainability, the pavilion's cooling system incorporates environmentally-friendly techniques inspired by both cultures' traditions. The thin material of the façade resembling Japanese paper protects the pavilion from direct sunlight, while a shallow pool of water in front of the building will help cool the area. Built within the Opportunity District of the exhibition, the construction of the project is nearing completion. Japan's theme for the pavilion is ‘Join.Sync.Act.’, encouraging visitors to discover the vibrant art, culture and technology of the nation which will be hosting the next Expo in Osaka in 2025.

Continuing the historical tradition of world international exhibitions, the Expo 2020 Dubai is the first to take place in the Middle East. The event revolves around the theme of "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future", organized around ideas of Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity. Having been postponed due to the pandemic, the event will take place between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022.
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Expo 2020.- October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
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Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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Yuko Nagayama, born in Tokyo in 1975, is the founder and director of the Yuko Nagayama and Associates studio. After graduating from Showa Women's University, she passed through Jun Aoki's office, which she left in 2002, the year she founded her studio.

In a multitude of single-family housing projects, the design of commercial premises and office buildings stands out. She also carried out projects for various competitions, including the JCD Design Award that she won in 2005 for the design of the "Louis Vuitton Kyoto Daimaru" store, or the Tokyo Metropolitan Architecture Award for the Goddess Forest Central Garden project.

Yuko Nagayama has also done extensive teaching work at various universities in Japan, such as the Tokyo University of Sciences or the institution where she studied: Showa Women's University.
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Published on: April 16, 2021
Cite: "Origami facade. Japan Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai by Yuko Nagayama and Associates" METALOCUS. Accessed
<http://www.metalocus.es/en/news/origami-facade-japan-pavilion-expo-2020-dubai-yuko-nagayama-and-associates> ISSN 1139-6415
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