Doha, Qatar- "The UAE pavilion at the 2023 International Horticultural Expo that is being hosted in Doha, Qatar, is not an architecturally-only gift package but is a reflection of the region's determination and orientation towards conservation and innovation in agriculture." Represented by BIG-Bjarke Ingle Group, the design studio that inspired the intricate patterns of Ghaf, the UAE national tree, the Pavilion concept depicts the relationship between humans and nature in the UAE society.
The pavilion's main highlight is a labyrinth-shaped circle made of rammed earth, similar to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which gradually gets taller bottom-up as it approaches the center point. This revolutionary building comprises exhibition areas and the Gardens of Discovery, about 32. They journey visitors through the UAE's various landscapes, including fascinating deserts, lush oases, rugged mountains, and serene coastal areas.
(Photo: Bjarke Ingels Group / Shoayb Khattab)
Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
Following the principle of using bio-mimicry and traditional architecture, the UAE Pavilion illustrates the perfect mix of modern technological advancements and old fascinating heritage. As per Giulia Frittoli, Partner & Head of Landscape from BIG, the design forms a solution to the request of the ecological crisis across the country using utilizing its natural resources and ancient building methods, which have existed for more than a century. According to Frittoli, "the network of paths would lead you to the outdoor oasis, which will contain the thematic gardens that will demonstrate how plants can be essential for sustainability, for production of food, for promotion of health and energy powering." The pavilion manifests this connection from the first visit to the last moment of the call by utilizing a comprehensive approach to the subject.
The pavilion's design opted for sourcing materials locally, whereby rammed earth was used to make the texture of walls, and its composition attributes 90% of soil and 10% of cement to act as a binding material. The roof structure with hand-carved wooden beams and palm leaves shields the area, and also the space is paved with limestone rocks and big rocks, making the surface exciting and distinct. Visitors can only discover a comprehensive range within the gardens where they can find both native-caused plants and a touch of non-native ones that will be tactfully cultivated to display the lush botanical heritage of the UAE. By eating local shrubs and trees, using them for medical solutions, and adding aromatic spices, the gardens will surprise you and give you a sensory experience that helps celebrate the country's legendary agricultural sector.
(Photo: Bjarke Ingels Group / Shoayb Khattab)
Vision for the Future
The greenhouse enhances the experience of immersion, introducing over 6,000 exotic plants of more than 65 different species that not only enlighten the visitor about replenishing the ecosystem but also offer contentment for the soul and relaxation. Here, it fosters the wonder of seeing fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, figs, and citrus fruits, shared by sustainable agricultural techniques. The arrangement of plants refers to careful thought of the UAE's history in agriculture, in contrast to the present, and vision for the future, as well as staying up to date with the impacts of climate change.
Therefore, the UAE Pavilion at the 2023 International Horticultural Expo proves that the UAE intends to protect the environmental integrity and put such conventional practices into high gear. With innovative design and immersive exhibits, the pavilion aims to inspire people to consider profoundly the part they play in reshaping the natural world and ponder if a balanced future is possible where prime is given to people living together with their planet.
