Commissioned by the Polish Investment and Trading Agency, Poland's Pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka is designed by Interplay The project is responding to the theme of the upcoming Expo, "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" and was born from the Interplay's fascination with spirals, specifically the shape's use in different scales, from "protein molecules to the structure of galaxies." Serving as a symbol of Polish ingenuity, the geometric-patterned pavilion aims to extend its influence beyond national boundaries.
The geometric design symbolizes the essence of Polish identity and aims to showcase the culture's spirit of innovation. The Pavilion attempts to demonstrate the idea that innovation is not bound by the region's territories. In fact, the designers believe ideas can spread far and wide, trespassing borders, and activating conversations in distant regions around their found knowledge.
Aiming to enrich the nation with knowledge, the influences of the geometric shape are seen through the dynamic spiral walls at varying heights. A different scale of the spiral is revealed from each vantage point, allowing closer distances to be scaled to the human body at lower elevations. At the heart of the project, a central concert hall symbolizes the power of culture. The project's outer skin is filled with modular Japanese woodwork artistry, paying homage to tradition. The repetition of a simple element in the modular design allows for the building process to be optimized.
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Wood is chosen as the primary building material for the project due to its eco-friendly nature and low carbon footprint compared to concrete and steel. Moreover, the design adheres to Expo 2025 guidelines, using natural materials like wood fiber insulation and recycled finishes. Additionally, the spiral responds to the site's challenging conditions, situated on an artificial island and exposed to wind and seismic forces. The structure is designed to excel in withstanding wind loads and earthquakes due to the inherent stability of the curved walls, providing structural integrity.
Expected to draw millions of visitors, the Expo Osaka 2025 will run for 184 days, from April 13 to October 13. The Japan Pavilion, designed by Nikken Sekkei Ltd., centers on the theme "Between Lives," emphasizing cycles of transformation that shape life across plants, animals, and societies. The Bahrain Pavilion, designed by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, features a wooden structure cooled by coastal winds, making it one of the most sustainable buildings at the Expo. Meanwhile, LAVA Architects' German Pavilion brings to life the theme of the circular economy.
Design team:
- Alicja Kubicka, Borja Martínez Gómez, Masafumi Yukimoto, Mihoko Samejima
- Clients: Polish Investment and Trade Agency
- Engineering: Jun Sato Structural Engineers
- Landscape: Atelier Fuuchi
- Lighting: Amber Co., Ltd.
We invite you to check out ArchDaily's comprehensive coverage of the Expo Osaka 2025.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on September 15, 2023, and updated on June 19, 2025, following the official opening.
