© Suneesh Sudhakaran
To mark Expo 2020 Dubai, the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, and the largest event ever held in the Arab world, Assouline, in collaboration with Expo 2020, is presenting seven unique volumes. Perfect coffee table additions, each beautiful book features original images, texts, exclusive interviews and insights into the architecture, inspiration and historical significance on display at the 182-day expo that ends March 21, 2022.
Published and edited exclusively by the first luxury brand dedicated to culture and Expo 2020 Dubai, each of these seven editions will be valued by collectors around the globe for decades to come.
© Dany Eid
“The volumes showcase the story and thinking behind Expo 2020 and how connecting its themes, storytelling and experiences have enriched its architecture,” Dr Federica Busa, Senior Vice President, Visitor President, Visitor Experience, Expo 2020 Dubai, said. “Mirroring the richness, diversity and ambitions of the UAE, this incredible collection will inspire and entertain. Like the buildings themselves, the books will set new benchmarks for the future, forming an essential record of Expo’s meaningful, lasting legacy.”
While three of the books won’t be available until spring of 2022, here’s a look at the first four editions of the coveted collection. Tthree of the books focus on the thematic pavilions, Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, and the fourth is a comprehensive look at the Expo. As well as the three themes, the fourth book highlights the 192 country pavilions, the awe-inspiring feats of architecture and craftsmanship and the programming, which includes performances and parades, immersive experiences, insightful talks, food, art, music and sport.
© Dany Eid
“Terra-The Sustainability Pavilion,” written by Ben East, is a look at the built environment with sustainability embedded in its DNA. The pavilion tells the story of our relationship with nature, our fixation on consumerism and how we can switch it up to reduce our environmental impact. Global authorities on sustainability collaborated with Expo 2020 and Grimshaw Architects to create this unique experience and jaw-dropping building. Visitors get to move through immersive spaces while experiencing the latest developments in behavioural psychology and storytelling techniques. Terra-The Sustainability Pavilion seeks to nurture our innate connection with the environment and inspire visitors—and readers—to live a more sustainable life.
© Mahmoud Khaled
The second book, which has text by Ben Mack is titled “Alif-The Mobility Pavilion.” It delves into the pavilion that seeks to challenge our current ideas about mobility. This is done by showing the complex movements of people, goods, data, capital and ideas are universal and timeless. Through discovering new horizons and making new connections, supported by new technologies, mobility is the foundation of human progress. In this book, the award-winning architecture firm, Foster + Partners, shares its vision for this progressive structure. The Mobility Pavilion aims to challenge, surprise and inspire through an immersive experience tied to urban planning, future cities and the reimagining of social structures.
“Mission Possible-The Opportunity Pavilion” is the book that sees Gareth Rees focusing on the pavilion that challenges individuals to be agents of change in order to build a better future for everyone. The exhibition journey is inspired by Mariam, Abel and Mama Fatma, whose seemingly small actions have created a big impact in their communities in the areas of food, water and energy. This globally important pavilion is a place for people to connect across age, language and culture and to celebrate our shared human experiences. The text delves into the complicated, yet rewarding collaboration process that brought together AGi Architects, the three mentors, and the pavilion creators. After sunset, the iconic Opportunity Pavilion turns into a luminous adventure for people, with lighting literally woven into the architecture. Visitors and readers will be moved to create a thriving new world.
Dany Eid & Suneesh Sudhakaran
Edited by Meitha Al Mazrooei, “Site, Themes, Architecture” is the Expo 2020 Dubai index. A detailed look at the Expo site, the title explores the iconic architecture and spaces, from the pavilions and programming to the public realm and beyond, with a focus on the three main themes, opportunity, mobility and sustainability. Each of the pavilions making up Expo 2020 Dubai is featured with a special emphasis on prominent architects such as Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, AECOM and Hopkins Architects. Essays written by a variety of contributors offer a detailed view of the ideas and meanings behind the themes and architecture at the Expo. Plus, public spaces are explored highlighting individual features from the gardens and flora to the calligraphy-inspired benches. The catalogue is a tribute to the participants and a special memento for visitors.
