A Colossal Inclined Mirror Wraps The Front of The Swiss Pavilion at Dubai Expo | OOS

The Swiss pavilion at the ongoing Dubai Expo features a colossal mirror on its facade that reflects the giant red carpet facing the pavilion. Christened 'Reflections', the pavilion illustrates the image of Switzerland. Zürich-based architecture studio OOS has designed this simple cube-looking pavilion in collaboration with scenography designer Bellprat Partner and landscape architect Lorenz Eugster. Further, the interior of the pavilion is segregated into three dramatic acts that let visitors experience the nation's unique features. Read more about the pavilion below at SURFACES REPORTER (SR):

Also Read: Terra: A Sustainable Pavilion Revealed by Grimshaw at Dubai Expo That Generates Its Own Water and Energy

OOS used a mirrored facade opposite to the red carpet in the Swiss pavilion that presents the reflection of Switzerland". The meaning lies in the reflection," explained Christoph Kellenberger, founding partner of OOS. Even though the expo will expect bright sunlight, the firm was not worried about the reflected light.

"The main entrance faces west (and Mecca) – and thus sunset," said Kellenberger. He further said, "The reflection of the evening sunlight makes the red carpet shine. The visitors receive sun umbrellas which lead to a playful image in the reflection of the facade. And if you look at the local architecture, reflective surfaces are often used."

Connecting People

The facade has a funnel-shaped indentation that welcomes visitors and allows them to interact with each other. In this way, it also "translates the Expo's leitmotiv: Connecting minds, creating the future."

"This not only encourages visitors to reflect on themselves and others but also leads to an examination of the image of Switzerland," he continued.

Also Read: Reflective Facade of Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg by Herzog and de Meuron

Fog-filled Room

The pavilion allows visitors to get in connection with unique panoramas of nature, walking up through a pathway in a fog-filled room that leads to an unknown destination. At the end of the pavilion, visitors can view an artistic interpretation of a mountain top, highlighting the original Swiss experience.

"We developed a walking tour through Switzerland that leads through the natural fog high up the mountain to a panorama over the sea of fog," explained Kellenberger.

"The experience of feeling real fog on their skin and then looking out over the sea of the fog into the Swiss mountains is intended to awaken a desire to visit Switzerland."

Exhibition Hall Reflects Swiss Innovation

Following the mountain view, the pavilion directs visitors to an exhibition hall that highlights the openness and creativeness of Switzerland and its position as a world-leading innovative country.

The roof of the pavilion contains additional space for events.

Selfie Point

Certainly, the pavilion will be a perfect selfie spot for visitors.

 "It was already clear on the opening day of the expo that the pavilion is a magnet for visitors. Many visitors take a picture or selfie of themselves right on the red carpet: so the iconographic shot is something they're sure to take home with them," the architect said.

Project Details

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