Philosopher Gilles Deleuze once said, “We have been deprived and completely lost the world we miss the most.” Today, many young people feel overwhelmed by negative emotions, struggling to confront climate issues and the global challenge of climate change.
The 2020 Dubai World Expo, opening on October 1, 2021, carries the theme “Connecting Ideas, Creating the Future.” Vincent Callebaut Architects and assar Architects collaborated to inspire young people with the message that architects and citizens can unite to build ecological, inclusive, and connected cities.
Known as the “Green Arch,” the Belgium Pavilion combines dense greenery with futuristic solid wood design elements. This exhibition hall aims to be a model of sustainable development, celebrating the renewable circular economy, biobased and geothermal materials, bioclimatic principles, renewable energy integration, and the preservation of nature and biodiversity.
Situated in the “Flow Zone,” the pavilion’s design maximizes shade and natural ventilation for visitors along Dubai’s prevailing east-west axis. The functional spaces are elevated to free up the lower levels for public use.
The core structure of the Green Arch is a bridge-shaped building, featuring a large dome with three-dimensional curvature suspended between two columns. This dome is formed by a minimal surface known as a hyperbolic paraboloid. Constructed with cross-laminated timber (CLT), over 5.5 kilometers of spruce louvers create a massive wooden Mashrabiya that wraps around the project and rotates 180 degrees to shield it from solar radiation.
The plaza acts as a “shortcut” connecting the “mobile area” and the “sustainable area” through the exhibition hall. All street furniture in the lower public space is made of white concrete, produced via 3D printing technology.
Besides iconic Belgian treats like fries, waffles, and chocolates, along with a main Belgian restaurant, the pavilion exhibits a vision of Belgium in 2050 under the slogan “2050 Smart and Green Belgium.” The public space beneath the arch features cartoon portrayals of notable Belgian historical figures, showcased through both real and imaginary stage settings.
The pavilion highlights four key features: First, a futuristic escalator designed as a time tunnel guides visitors towards the “Odyssey of 2050.” Second, Belgian comic heroes accompany the “Future Mobile Lab,” which demonstrates low-carbon, soft mobility solutions for Belgium’s three regions—Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia. Third, the main show offers an immersive video projection, envisioning a sustainable and resilient Belgian skyline for 2050. Lastly, the “Belgian Mobile Center” invites visitors of all ages to engage with dynamic projections of future Belgian cities and ecological architecture.
At the exhibition’s conclusion, visitors are invited to enjoy Belgian specialties at the “BeHappy” bar or on the panoramic rooftop terrace, offering stunning views of the main dome “Al Wasl” to the east and the thematic exhibition hall “Flow Zone” to the west.
The “BeBizz” business center and VIP lounge provide flexible, modern facilities for hosting business meetings and international dialogues, supporting the pavilion’s vision of exchanging ideas and creating a better future.
This slender bridge-like building also symbolizes the vitality and diversity of the Belgian federation and its regions, emphasizing the theme that Belgium’s strength lies in its unity.
The pavilion’s dynamic giant rock structure is equipped with a large photovoltaic and thermal solar canopy, balancing the building’s energy consumption by providing electricity and domestic hot water.
Designed to be highly welcoming to living organisms, the pavilion’s balconies and rooftops are densely planted with over 2,500 species of plants, shrubs, and trees. These breathable drip walls naturally cool the space through plant transpiration. The large outdoor terrace invites visitors to relax and enjoy the environment. The “Green Arch” beautifully embodies the essence of Belgium—a harmonious blend of Latin creativity and Germanic-Anglo-Saxon practicality at the heart of Europe.
This project represents a public-private partnership between the Chief Commissioner of BelExpo, Régie des Bâtiments, and Besix Construction Company. A total of 93 companies contributed, with 46 sponsoring the giant Meccano-style exhibition hall, designed based on circular economy principles. Pierre Yves Dermagne, Belgium’s Federal Minister of Economy, remarked, “All work on this project has reached a maturity that allows it to be rebuilt or relocated at any time. This building will surely endure on Belgian soil for many years to come.”
Project Information
Architectural Design: Vincent Callebaut Architects, Assar Architects
Area: 4,824 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Nizar Bredan
Client: BelExpo + Régie des Bâtiments
Scenographers: Facts and Fiction + Envie
F&B: Créneau International
Location: United Arab Emirates
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