Kuwait Pavilion - Expo Milano 2015
The EXPO 2015 Kuwait pavilion tells the story of a country defined by the sand of the desert and the saltwater of the sea where potable water is a hidden treasure and how the Kuwaitis are making the desert more habitable by the use of education, technology, science and where possible sustainable energy to build a society that is modern, alive and ambitious– and therefore capable of contributing to global development and to feeding the world.
text: Italo Rota
Heritage and contemporary design
From the outside, towards the decumanus, the pavilion presents itself as a reminiscence of traditional dhow ships by constructing the front side (and the first part) as a build-up of Kuwait Dhow.
They give a dynamic volume to the façade, a movement and an attractive energy based on Kuwait’s heritage. The second, lateral part of the facade is designed as a glass house displaying numerous hydroponic plants cultivated inside. This combination of dhow sails and green plants makes a spectacular view that foreshadows the narrative
A path through the desert…
As the audience enters the exhibition it will experience the infinite desert of Kuwait. A magic representation of day and night, of past and present and a surprising discovery of life forms adapted to a harsh environment that is self-evidently not habitable place to humans.
The miracle of water…
However, the desert is a place of miracle. And so the audience next witnesses rain in the desert – and how it changes its relentless character into a blooming garden covered over by patches of green grass and colourful flowers.
It’s a stunning highlight moment that raises the audience’s awareness of how important water is to life, and how it is the source of civilisation in Kuwait.
Kuwait: A source of knowledge…
The people of Kuwait need to continuously repeat the ‘miracle of water’ in order to survive. A large exhibit representing Kuwait gives now a bird’s of the entire country. And furthermore, it also displays the cycles of water, of energy and of knowledge. They build an underlying network and are the basis to make man made water resources accessible in order to build the civilisation of modern Kuwait.
And global commitment…
All the efforts made in science and technology in order to cope with sustainable water and energy management go along with developments in agriculture and food cultivation. A wealth that Kuwait shares with the world by committing globally to projects in developing countries.
A source of energy and life…
What makes a country like Kuwait? The people! As a climax the audience will experience Kuwait and its people and lifestyle in an energetic, immersive market that gives a condensed impression of the country’s hospitality. Moreover, it is an occasion to meet and interact with people from Kuwait.
Changing the colour of the country
Finally, it is clear that Kuwait, the land of desert and sea, changes the colour of the country by the use of science and technology to cultivate the desert and to develop its society so that it can contribute globally in feeding the world.
Architects: Studio Italo Rota
Architects In Charge: Italo Rota with Marco Fabris, Alessandro Pedretti
Design Team: Stefano Conforti, Andrea Bolla, Carlo Ferrari, Giacomo Guarneri, Alessandro Rigamonti
Location: Milan, Italy
Year: 2015
Photographs: Mattia Balsamini
Engineering: Studio Progetto CMR
Dramaturgy/Story: Steiner Sarnen Schweiz AG
General Contractor: Nussli Italia S.r.l.
Client: State of Kuwait
Site Area: EXPO2015 Milano
text: Italo Rota
