AL WASL PLAZA
The eye-popping Al Wasl Plaza is meant to serve as the central core of the site, linking the three thematic districts and underscoring the event’s overall message of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ (as al wasl means “connection” in Arabic). The plaza measures 150 metres in diameter, and was envisioned as a grand meeting place, capable of hosting such large-scale functions as the exhibition’s own opening ceremonies. Designed by the Us-based firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, it’s topped with a stunning, futuristic dome; an intricate, lattice-like construction that transforms into a kaleidoscopic 360-degree projection surface, visible from within and outside, offering an unparalleled and ever-changing visual experience for visitors.
The dome is a 3D visualisation of the Expo 2020 logo and weighs more than 2,500 tonnes (as much as 25 blue whales the PR material points out). It’s comprised of 13.6 kilometres of steel, and is made up of hundreds of individual elements welded together with intricate precision. The finished structure stands 67.5 metres tall – higher than the Leaning Tower of Pisa – and is definitely the jewel in the crown at Expo 2020 Dubai.