The Serbian Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 emerges as a compelling example of sustainable architecture infused with cultural storytelling, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology and emotional resonance. Designed by Aleatek Studio, the pavilion takes inspiration from Belgrade's protected Ratno Ostrvo (Great War Island) to realize the concept of a "Floating Forest." It stands out as the only Expo pavilion featuring a living façade, with over 95% of its materials recyclable and 80% intended for reuse in future construction. The design strategy also aligns with the theme "Play for humanity" of the upcoming Specialised Expo 2027 to be held in Belgrade.
The Serbian Pavilion is designed to demonstrate the coherence between the country's cultural and natural heritage and its contributions to science and global development. The pavilion welcomes visitors to experience an amalgamation of urban and natural extremes. The design is inspired by the "Ratno ostrvo," an untouched Natural Park island in the center of the Serbian capital, a contrasting situation that overlaps dense urbanization and pristine natural landscapes.
The installation showcases a 'floating' component in the form of an elevated green façade. This gesture opens up the ground floor of the exhibition, allowing for free-flowing circulation and public facilities. The exploration path then leads visitors directly to level 2 via an urban staircase, where the iterative themes exhibition is located. This section is called "Playful Serbia." In a nod to the upcoming Belgrade Expo 2027, the interactive display encourages playfulness and creativity.
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The natural element of the "Floating Forest" aims to promote healthy microclimate solutions, creating a thriving ecosystem by balancing natural and urban features. The green facades can be experienced from both indoors and outdoors, promoting energy efficiency and easy maintenance. The facades also mirror urban forestry, while the interiors highlight technological innovations and integrated design solutions, aiming to illustrate a vision of diverse future living.
Expo Osaka 2025, under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," has opened to visitors on April 13, 2025, and will conclude on October 13, 2025. Other countries have also opened the doors to their exhibitions at Expo 2025 Osaka, among them, the French Pavilion, designed by Coledfy and CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati highlights natural and artificial habitats, the USA Pavilion, designed by Trahan Architects with a focus on American innovations, while the Nordic countries have selected AMDL CIRCLE to create a structure to represent their spirit and vision in close connection to nature, 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.
We invite you to check out ArchDaily's comprehensive coverage of the Expo Osaka 2025.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on May 16, 2024 and updated on June 23, 2025, following the official opening.
