Superstar architect Santiago Calatrava has won another prestigious design competition in the UAE.
The National Media Council selected the Spaniard to design the UAE Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai.
It follows just weeks after Calatrava was awarded the deal for the Tower at the centre of Emaar’s Dubai Creek Harbour megaproject.
The design – which is inspired by a falcon in flight – was approved by a jury including representatives from the NMC, Expo 2020 Dubai team, Masdar and Emaar.
Calatrava’s proposal was formally selected following a seven-month design competition managed by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company. The contest saw nine of the world’s most renowned architectural firms submit 11 concepts.
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State (Chairman of the Board of Director of NMC), said: “The proposed design of the UAE Pavilion captures the story we want to tell the world about our nation.
“Our late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan used falconry expeditions to forge connections between tribes and to create a distinct national identity which ultimately led to the founding of the United Arab Emirates.
“Now, the falcon design will symbolise how we are connecting the UAE to the minds of the world and how as a global community we can soar to new heights through partnership and cooperation.”
Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, added: “The pavilion will be one of the Expo’s greatest icons. The design will evoke the pioneering spirit and power of connections that transformed the UAE from a collection of small, desert communities, into a global connection point. The UAE pavilion will become an important cornerstone in our site and will have a legacy plan that will reflect our hopes and ambitions for the many years to come.”
Calatrava said he was “deeply honoured” to have been chosen. “I am confident that the final design will be a symbol of the bold and daring spirit of the UAE, reflected in what is poised to be the most inclusive and global Expo in history,” he said.
Located facing the Al Wasl Plaza, which lies at the centre of the 200-hectare exhibition zone, the UAE Pavilion will represent the UAE to 25 million visitors and participants from over 180 nations who are expected to visit the Expo from October 2020 to April 2021.
The pavilion is expected to cover up to 15,000 square meters and will include numerous exhibition areas, an auditorium, food and beverage outlets and VIP lounges.