Translucent green plaza to be central hub of Expo 2020 site
Dubai — Structures have been built around the world for international fairs. the eiffel tower was built in paris, the crystal palace in london and the space needle in seattle. and now dubai has announced the wasl plaza for the world expo 2020 site.
The plaza will be a unique space at the centre of the 4.38-square kilometre site. it will be a translucent dome and is going to be the central hub of the expo 2020 structure. the expo 2020 team has described it as a “legacy” that will stay forever.
As the dome is translucent, al wasl plaza will be able to project massive images. the projections will be visible to those inside and outside the plaza. it can accommodate 10,000 people and will boast restaurants, fountains and parks.
Ahmed Al Khatib, vice-president of real estate, expo 2020, said: “everyone knows why the wasl name is so important. it is a historical name of dubai and means connection. therefore, al wasl plaza will have a strategic location within the expo site. it will be the centre hub.
“It will be the main area of receiving all of the visitors. the uae pavilion will be overlooking the plaza. we wanted to make the plaza a structure that will be able to reflect the logo of the expo and the culture of the uae. it will be a translucent dome and will be able to reduce heat and provide comfort for the visitors inside. it will give a 360-degree view from the inside.”
The expo team is ensuring that the sustainability theme is followed through completely. they will be collecting rainwater and water from the country’s humidity to help the garden grow. “we want the plaza to be full of landscapes and water. We will be collecting rainwater and the water from the humidity and reusing that water. we are reusing the water from the sewers, and water that runs underground,” he said.
Al Khatib also pointed out that the plaza, which is 150 metres in diameter, can be used for different kinds of events after the expo, including to celebrate uae national day.
In a video to illustrate the different kind of projections the dome will show, a 360-degree view of the uae national flag, falcons and the world expo 2020 logo was displayed around the dome.
He said there is a team dedicated to working to ensure the sustainability of the plaza and how it can be used after the Expo.
Work is due to start on al wasl plaza in the coming months and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.
The Expo site will include a 75-year-old goaf tree, an opportunity district, mobility district, thematic district, sustainability district and the expo village.
Memorable moments are framed by memorable spaces. Al Wasl Plaza will be an inspirational location, exemplifying local culture and family values while also looking to the future.” Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State
We are creating a space that will be an architectural landmark ... We want Al Wasl Plaza to inspire not just our generation but many generations to come.” Gordon Gill, design partner at Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill architecture
This is a space that at once reflects the heritage of our country and its vision of a future where nature and technological innovation are integrated in a sustainable way.” Ahmed Al Khatib, vice-president of real estate and delivery, Expo 2020