Client : Gulf Cooperation Council
Theme : Unified Vision for a Promising Future
Type : Self Built Pavilion
Scope : Concept & Design
Awards : BRONZE AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPE (Category B) Bureau International des Expositions (BIE)
The GCC Pavilion was the first ever pavilion for the Gulf Cooperation Council at a World Expo and in this, Paradigm & Partners was fortunate to be given the opportunity to create a unique landmark.
The Paradigm team conceived of a pavilion that would communicate the theme of strength and solidarity, recognising the core values and the commonality of the 6 member states as well as celebrating the successes of the alliance.
The concept was of a modern pavilion which would reflect the shared geography of the Gulf, a landscape surrouded by a body of water, like the desert sand and sea of the region. Golden threads were envisaged, representing the different strands of the 6 brother countries, drawn across the landscape, reflecting the sunlight, casting dynamic shadows like an ever changing artwork. In the centre of the water, a monolith, solid and timeless, a symbolic icon of strength and unity, to which all golden threads are drawn and woven together to form ‘a stronger and more resilient entity - the representation of unity and oneness, of ‘One Gulf’.
We worked closely with the architects of MPA to ensure the artistic concept would stand as an icon monument whilst concealing exhibition spaces, offices and a multifunction hall within its abstracted landscape.
The pavilion design was recognised by the BIE with a Bronze Award in Architecture and Landscape.