INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
WINNER Netherlands Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE, by V8 Architects
An 18m-high green cone greets visitors as they set foot inside the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020. On the outside, this funnel-like device is thriving with over 9000 edible plants and herbs, such as asparagus, mint and basil growing from its structure. Inside, an adiabatic cooling system in the cone’s chimney supports a different kind of life: oyster mushrooms, with dozens of kilos ready for harvest daily.
This temporary vertical farm was envisioned by V8 Architects, who combined innovation, Dutch design traditions and circular principals to create a memorable pause within a buzzing Expo district.
Using cutting-edge proprietary technology – that features lightweight, organic, transparent solar cells – the pavilion extracts approximately 800 hundreds litres of water daily from the desert.
After purification and via an enthralling rain experience, the water cools the temperature inside the cone to support mushroom growth. Finally, it is used to irrigate the plants growing on the exterior of the structure.
Simulating a foreign micro-climate in the desert, one that seems in perfect harmony with its arid setting, this pavilion raises the bar for practical, sustainable design thinking. v8architects.nl