DUBAI EXPO MOBILITY PAVILION TRANSPORTS VISITORS TO A WORLD OF CONSTANT MOVEMENT
Designed by Foster + Partners, the Mobility Pavilion is the star of Dubai Expo’s mobility district. The clover-shaped structure named Alif, refers to the first letter of the Arabic alphabet and to the start of movement, a theme that permeates the edifice.








Designed by Foster + Partners, the Mobility Pavilion is the star of Dubai Expo’s mobility district. The clover-shaped structure named Alif, refers to the first letter of the Arabic alphabet and to the start of movement, a theme that permeates the edifice.
Upon entering through the main entrances of the sites, visitors can find the pavilion and its tree petals, each containing a gallery filled with curated exhibitions organized by MET Studio, a London-based design consultancy. Each of the three sections was designed in view of echoing a distinctive sub-theme of mobility, without forgetting the importance of sustainability throughout the construction process.
To enter this multi-leveled building, visitors have to passthrough one of the three entrances, where the aluminium foils are slightly raised before taking the world’s largest lift to reach the top. Different walkways will be open for them to enter the three different gallery spaces; the first one explores the history of mobility with statues provided by Weta Workshop, the second one reflects the modern era while the third one is based on the future. What immerses guests in the concept of mobility and heightens their experience is the navigation that they’re subject to in that space.
However, art and galleries aren’t the only thing found in this pavilion. One can find a cafe, a gift shop, private spaces for events, an a330-metre track that is meant for showcasing modern inventions in transport.
That’s not all, the exterior is also just as interesting as the interior. The theme of movement is apparent in the design through the use of horizontal stainless steel fins to reflect neighbouring movement and light while also drawing upon aircraft wings, rockets and racing cars. The use of stainless steel for the flowing bands wasn’t random; it was specifically chosen for its ability to adapt to complex shapes and its performance in the environment.
- date publishedJanuary 24, 2022
- categoryArchitecture
- original sourceDezeen↗