Australia plans to celebrate the spirit of innovation and history at its EXPO 2020 pavilion with the theme of Blue Sky Dreaming, officials have announced. The country’s natural wonder, innovative know-how and 60,000-year-old cultural history and diversity will be on the world’s stage alongside 191 participating nations during the six-month event, officials said.
According to a statement, the pavilion is located in the Mobility District and stands 21m tall and will be among the largest at the event. From October 1 to March 31, 2022, it will showcase key trade, economic, export and education opportunities while celebrating the nation’s highly unique natural and cultural attractions.
A key element of the pavilion’s design is its roof, a gleaming white canopy inspired by the large fluffy white cumulus clouds that make up Australia’s iconic big blue skylines, said a government official.
“The large white cumulus cloud is a common feature of Australia’s expansive horizons and is a clear and a recognisable sign of good weather. Agile and ever-changing, visitors to the Australian Pavilion will find the cloud central to their pavilion journey. By day, it provides cooling shade over the forecourt. At night, it comes alive with a dynamic display of light and sound designed to mimic the ancient and rugged landscape of Australia,” explained Justin McGowan, Australia’s commissioner general of EXPO 2020 Dubai.
He added, “We are confident that the combination of the building and the breadth of the visitor experience will ensure that the Australian Pavilion is one of the highlights of EXPO 2020 Dubai and a powerful representation of Australia on the world stage that we can all be proud of.”
He noted that EXPO 2020 represents an exciting opportunity for Australia to play a leading role at what is being referred to as the ‘global business Olympics’.
Commenting on the design of the pavilion, he noted, “In developing the design for the Australian Pavilion, we wanted a venue that captured not only the Blue Sky Dreaming theme, but the welcoming spirit and relaxed, multicultural society for which Australia is renowned. Brisbane-based architectural team bureau^proberts has designed a space which embodies the Australian spirit and persona; relaxed and laid back, yet dynamic, lively and courageous. The Australian Pavilion will be a place of gathering where everyone is welcome and will leave feeling inspired, having experienced a taste of what Australia has to offer the world.”
He concluded, “Presenting an event on this scale is a truly collaborative undertaking. We are proud to be joined at EXPO 2020 Dubai by all of Australia’s state and territory governments, as well as our many public and private sector partners.”