UK Pavilion, Expo 2017, Astana

A multi-sensory, interactive space

• CLIENT: HM Government Department of Business and Trade
• LOCATION: Astana, Khazakstan
• AREA: 2200m²
• SERVICES: Architecture + Interiors

Inspired by the Expo theme of Future Energy, the UK Government’s pavilion was conceived to highlight global issues including reducing CO2 emissions and energy efficiency. In addition, the pavilion was conceived as a showcase for British innovation.

WOO led the competition winning bid and the design development of the pavilion partnering with Asif Khan and KBW.

In a rich, multi-sensory experience involving film, technology, sound and computer-generated animation, the UK Pavilion explored the theme of energy. Beginning with the birth of the universe and leading visitors on the journey of energy from the sun through to the earth’s landscape and its climate, human civilisation and UK innovation.

A centrepiece of the 2,200m2 pavilion, was the representation of a yurt comprising 200 spokes – single pieces of acrylic glass, each about 4 metres high, but only 2cm thick. The spokes came to life and became illuminated when touched, changing their appearance from transparent matter to illuminated solid.

Encircling the yurt was a 60-metre panoramic computer-generated landscape depicting the dynamic and ever-changing relationship between the Sun and the Earth.

Kevin Owens, Founder of WOO: “One of the most exciting aspects of this project was developing a cultural understanding of the Expo visitors – the largest proportion of whom were from the local area. Using a range of different sensory experiences and materials, people were drawn through the space to the yurt structure at the centre where they could enjoy the moving imagery of the landscapes.”