Osaka EXPO 2025
Czech Pavilion


CLT Structure 2500m2

Architect of record, with Frank La Riviere Architects

Design Architects: Apropos Architects

The Czech National Pavilion faces the ocean, even as it is set within the protective wooden ring designed by the expo master planner Sou Fujimoto. Counter-intuitively, the expansive views that attach to the site are privileged only from the roof. The 260 meter long spiral that rises 4 stories above the ground offers glimpses of the exterior through a veil of thick Czech glass, but the focus is inwards and upwards, symbolizing the focused evolution of Czech society.

At the center of the building the ground floor hosts a space devoted to Czech food and drink. Directly above, a darkened void acts as a stage for performances and public speaking. The roof culminates with a restaurant and views to the promenade and the ocean beyond. Altogether it is a pavilion of movement and literal progress.

The striking form of the pavilion is created from CLT (cross laminated timber) panels and steel columns, with each spiral upwards also stepping outwards as it sweeps past the promenade. The cantilever that comes from this logical move is outlined by sunlight in the day, and by complimentary lighting at night. The effect of the shifting shingles of glass is powerful because it is not transparent. Instead it reads as something hand-made and subtle, relieving the weight of the solid timber core without feeling machine made. Materials are used here with a traditional point of view, exagerating the heft and craft of the assembly. The future is high tech, but it is also local.

Credits:
Client: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic (MFA CR) Office of the General Commissioner of EXPO, Ceska Centra: Ondřej Soška, Akiko Sagae

Architectural team (Czech Republic): Apropos Architects: Michal Gabaš, Tomáš Beránek, Nikoleta Slováková, Tereza Šváchová Design Team: Kryštof Jireš, Magdalena Havlová, Jana Watersová, Laura Lukáčová, Eva Gabaš Rosenová, Miroslav Slezák, Natálie Poláková, Alexandra Mishchenko

Visual communication, competition exhibition concept and visual identity: Lunchmeat Studio: graffiti artist Jakub Matuška Glass crystal sculptures: Rony Plesl

Architectural team (Japan): frontoffice tokyo: Koen Klinkers (Design Management & Site Supervision), Bill Galloway (BIM management) + Frank la Rivière Architects inc: Frank la Rivière (Architect of Record & Site Supervision) + mxa First Class Architects Office: Yoshikawa Misuzu

Structural Engineering: [Czech]general design concept A-2-Timber: Lukáš Krbec + [Japan]　Kusumoto Haruhide Structural Engineering office (Engineer of Record & Site Supervision) + Building Structure Institute KK+BSI

Mechanical Engineering: SAKAI AND ASSOCIATES: Fujimura, Naoya Sakai

Project management: BlueDot MGT L.L.C.-FZ: Rafaella Broft, James Duke, Riaan Herbst, Nishimori(FPC), Akiko Sagae, Akihisa Kageyama Architects, Limited.: Akihisa Kageyama

Coordination of professions / MEP: Robert Prix

Construction Company: Daisue Construction Co., Ltd大末建設株式会社
CLT load-bearing structure contractor: A2 Timber
Facade system contractor: WIEDEN s.r.o.
Artistic facade glass contractor: KOLEKTIV ATELIERS
Sheet glass contractor: AGC Flat Glass Czech
Art installations: Rony Plesl, Jakub Matuška aka Masker, Lucie de Angelis Drdova, Lunchmeat Studio
Photo: BoysPlayNice Photography & Concept