Helsinki studio JKMM Architects has created a calm, chapel-like pavilion as the Finnish contribution to Dubai Expo 2020.
Finland Pavilion’s name ”Lumi” alludes to a “Snow Cape”. It is inspired by the thin white layer of first snowfall that covers the Finnish landscape at the beginning of every winter. The aim was to bring a fragment of Finnish nature to UAE and Dubai. The Pavilion resembles a big white Arabic tent and its entrance was inspired by traditional nomadic culture. Two cultures meet in this way in our architectural concept.
Throughout the history of time the tent has provided an achetypal setting for meeting face to face. Inside the pavilion, a deep top lit gorge-like space welcomes visitors. Inspired by Finnish nature, this sculptural space brings people together in a memorable way. Its simple, pure forms clad with a curved wooden lattice surface reflect the celebrated heritage of Finnish Modernist architecture and design.
The main theme of the Pavilion is ”Finland – Sharing Future Happiness”. This too is reflected in our design in its symbiosis of people, nature and technology.
