The Invited Competition for Designing the Iran National Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020

The selected theme of Dubai Expo 2020 is "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, with three sub-themes of "Mobility", "Sustainability" and "Opportunity." Iran Pavilion is located in the "Mobility" section. In this design proposal, "Mobility and Communication" shape the main content of the pavilion, by explaining its history and our interpretation of the form of mobility and communication in the past, present and future.

The content of this pavilion is inspired from an artistic perspective to the technological aspect of modern communication via technological tools. This will lead visitors to experience the history of mobility and physical, social, and virtual communications in Iran and how Iran has interacted with the world over time.

Container, as one of the most important transportation and shipping elements, was our main component of the pavilion. This element meets some important characteristics considering the 6-month life span of this expo, to reuse the materials after expo which is also a sustainable response to the current economical situation. Container also provides the necessary modular space for the pavilion, which can be returned to Iran and be distributed as an Expo Souvenir to all the provinces of the country.

The main facade is made of woven straw and hemp rope, which its beige and earthy colors resembles South of Iran and is also compatible with the host country climate. This provides good shade per se and also by spraying water on the woven mat, there will be cool and fresh air beneath, which evokes the pleasant memories of old village.

By applying some aspects of gamification and using game techniques in different parts of pavilion in an interactive way, the visitors are encouraged to explore and experience past events via technology and contemporary content. While strolling inside the pavilion, visitors will indulge in the feelings like moving from dark to light, from inferiority to eminence, from sanctions to development, from the earth to the sky.

Some mysterious paths are designed as dead ends, which are symbol of sanctions. But just after dead ends, visitors quickly find a new way out and continue moving forward, and these ways are our path to life and growth.