Finland’s pavilion Snow Cape has become one of the first countries to top out its Expo 2020 Dubai pavilion, attended by Finish delegates, including Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Mika Lintilä, Commissioner General of Finland at Expo 2020 Dubai, Severi Keinälä, and Finland’s Ambassador to the UAE, Marianne Nissilä.
Located within the Expo 2020 Dubai’s Mobility District, the concept, design, planning and execution have been undertaken by Finland-based JKMM Architects and Swiss construction specialist, Expomobilia.
JKMM Architects, which was also the architect of Finland’s pavilion at Shanghai Expo 2010, has designed a simple yet functional structure, ensuring accessibility, openness and simple people flow remain at the core of the architectural concept.
“In designing the pavilion, we sought to bring together Finland’s icy landscapes with the culture of the UAE. The main entrance was designed to elicit thoughts of a traditional Arabic tent, seamlessly integrating features from both cultures,” said Teemu Kurkela, partner and architect at JKMM Architects.
Meanwhile, Dietmar Kautschitz, chief customer officer at Expomobilia told MECN that it’s a design and build project for them. He also said that since it’s a unique pavilion, there was no need for pre-fabrication.
On sustainability, Kautschitz said: “Sustainability is not just a word for us, we live sustainability and when we invite our suppliers, we also discuss with them the use of materials. It’s a very important for us that we know what happens to the material afterwards before we construct anything.”
“So, our target is simple- to think first if the material will be sustainable after the event, and not just during construction. Here, we have found the right partner for this and for now, I can say that 70 per cent of the material used to build the pavilion are sustainable and that it will be reused in the local market,” he added.
Severi Keinälä, Commissioner General of Finland at Expo 2020 Dubai said the main theme of Snow Cape and Finland’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai is ‘Finland – Sharing Future Happiness’ and Finnish happiness is based on the symbiosis of people, nature and technology.
“This deep connection is the origin of the quality of everyday Finnish life and the Finland pavilion communicates this happiness by taking visitors on a journey through Finland’s key strengths, which are nature and sustainability, education and know-how and functionality and wellbeing,” he concluded.
