Dubai Expo 2020 – Boulevard Roundabout Pavilion | MEAN
Expo 2020 Boulevard Art Proposal
Our ‘Expo 2020 Landmark’ proposal amalgamates technology, innovation, and sustainability into an iconic structure that serves as a welcoming icon to the event.
Drawing inspiration from the story of the Expo 2020 Logo and the palms of the UAE, we designed an interactive installation that symbolizes the ethos of Sustainability and Innovation.
An Unmissable Icon
Designed to be assembled at the Boulevard Roundabouts of the site, the 8-meter structure soars high revealing a walk-through spatial forest of 3D Printed Concrete elements that resemble Palm Trees and are fitted with branching LED lights.
The structure can be viewed from the cars circling around the roundabout upon which it sits or enjoyed by exploring the spaces between the 3D Printed ‘Palms’ towards an open space.
Built with Future Technology
Based on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we aspire to make Dubai the 3D Printing Capital of the World. We have designed a structure specifically for 3D printing in concrete.
Robotically 3D Printed Concrete construction has been lauded for saving on material waste by reducing the amount of form-work involved in the process of casting, as well as providing a cleaner construction site, all while allowing for a higher degree of complexity in design.
We believe that Expo 2020 would be a fantastic platform to showcase the possibilities of this emerging construction technology to the world.
Endless Interaction
The elements generate energy during daytime hours via the transparent, bespoke solar panels attached to their tops. Activeskeen ™ Aesthetic Photovoltaics are specified for this intent. At night, the concrete 3D printed elements become animated with various lighting modes, welcoming the visitors to the event.
The footings of the concrete elements are fitted with hidden LED lighting, that is programmed to glow with various patterns. Sustainable Legacy The Expo 2020 Landmark is designed for longevity in the harsh desert climate with very little maintenance. Taking its inspiration from bio-mimetic performance, It is a self-reliant energy generator that absorbs abundant Sun energy to power itself. The solar panels are fitted around 360° at the center of the roundabouts, to capture the maximum amount of energy throughout the day, and tilted to expel sand from sandstorms.
The 3D Printed Shell components can be cast in site with UHPC (Ultra-High-Performance Concrete) to effectively withstand the shear symbolizes forces acting upon them.
The Expo 2020 Landmark structure is designed to serve as a reminder that the World’s Fair site is built for generations to come, an urban connection between Dubai and Abu Dhabi and a model of the innovative cities of the future.
ABOUT MEAN*
(Middle East Architecture Network) It is an Innovative Architecture Practice that works at the nexus of design and emergent technologies. MEAN* utilizes cutting edge computational design processes and digital fabrication tools to leverage the quality of architectural solutions. Computer Programming, Robotics, 3D Printing, AR, VR, and CNC manufacturing are some of the technologies we use to leverage our work. MEAN’s mission is to amalgamate computation, material research, and digital fabrication, to provide interdisciplinary solutions that respond to current economic, environmental and social developments.
This bungalow style house influences the site context and can be visualised in multiple facades of sharp edges & cuboidal form. Her,e salient features like U-Projection are an expression of the bench on a level one. The house divides itself into three bays. On the ground floor, where first bay acquire all public activities like […]
Imagine yourself on the terrace of your hidden mountain retreat, drinking a fresh cup of coffee as you admire the sunrise emerging from behind the rolling hills across the valley. This serene atmosphere is exactly what Hello Wood’s latest project, the Console House, is designed to offer. The Console House showcases modern architecture design while […]
As cities continue to grow and evolve, there is a growing desire to incorporate elements of rural living into urban design. By embracing rural living principles, cities can create more eco-friendly and sustainable spaces. Rural living is not just about wide-open spaces and rolling hills. It’s also about community, sustainability, and a connection to nature. […]
Located in the thriving city of Ichalkaranji, this is an example of luxury residences is a seamless blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. The striking exterior, adorned with brick and natural stone cladding, exudes warmth, character, and permanence. These rich textures create a visually captivating façade, harmonizing tradition with contemporary design while making a […]
Throughout history, stone has embodied permanence, artistry, and raw beauty in architecture. From the grandeur of Roman amphitheaters to the earthy elegance of modern villas, stone remains a beloved material for its strength, sustainability, and aesthetic richness. As design trends evolve toward natural materials, eco-conscious decisions, and biophilic design, stone has found new expressions — […]
The space adopts a biophilic office design and climate-responsive approach, creating a workspace that reimagines urban interiors by deeply embedding them with nature. The style is earthy, minimal, and modern with a strong contextual sensitivity to its location. Also, a lush canopy surrounds the bare-shell site on the first floor, allowing for abundant daylight and […]
The design started from an old house where a family of seven stood, one yet to be born. Hari & Sreelakshmi, Usha-Hari’s mother, Malathi, teacher, Hari’s grandmother, kids, Sankari, Paru, and yet to be born Sreebala. Four generations living in a 60-year-old house that had begun to show its age with dimly lit rooms, leaking […]
The clients’ requirement was to create a wellbeing centre at Oleander Farms, Karjat, Maharashtra, that would be a tranquil sanctuary for their visitors. Walking through a dense canopy of trees, hearing the soft chirping of birds, we slowly embarked on an expanse of a 2-acre of land that was both open yet heavily tree-laden. This […]
The thought was to create a space which would act as a formal real estate workspace in the daytime and a family retreat in the evening. By its name, as it is, ‘Leveled. This office with a garden is defined using levels, in terms of volumes, surfaces as well as edges. These levels are rationalized […]
Nirmay (निर्मय) reflects purity and holistic well-being. Envisioned as a quiet sanctuary amidst the noise of urban life, these courtyard villas offer a way of living that is calm, conscious, and deeply connected to the land. Rooted in sustainability and ecological harmony, the design responds to both nature and the everyday rhythms of its inhabitants. […]