EXPO Shade Structures – Planted Pergolas

For the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, Werner Sobek developed innovative shading systems that connect all the country pavilions on the exhibition grounds. They are designed in such a way that they absorb high deformations without any problems. In total, the structures span an area of around 96,000 m².

Shade for a Desert State

Based on the basic principle of a steel frame structure, three different shading systems were developed to provide extensive spanning without interfering with the visual axes on the EXPO site. The entire structure was certified according to CEEQUAL and achieved the highest level of “Excellent”.

CEEQUAL Certified with Highest Degree of Fulfilment “Excellent”

The third system is formed by pergolas spanning an area of approximately 19,000 m². The pergolas are planted with around 11,000 climbing plants rooted in the shading plane. In addition to their function as shade providers, the plants provide natural cooling through evaporation.