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.

Architecture
Werner Sobek, Stuttgart (DE)

Planning time
2017 – 2018

Construction time
2018 – 2020

Services by Werner Sobek

  • General planning
  • Design
  • Structural engineering
  • MEP engineering
  • Sustainability concept (renewable energy, microclimate optimization, recyclable materials)
  • CEEQUAL certification
  • Site supervision

GFA
96,000 m²

Client
CH2M Mace Joint Venture on behalf of Expo 2020 Dubai (AE)

Awards
Rethinking the Future Awards 2022

Photography
Roland Halbe, Stuttgart (DE)

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