JKMM Architects design Lumi, the Finnish Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
‘Lumi’, the Finnish word for snow, is the name of the Finnish pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The project by Helsinki-based studio JKMM Architects was inspired by the thin white layer of first snow that covers the Finnish landscape at the beginning of winter. Its goal was to bring a fragment of Finnish nature to UAE and Dubai in particular.
Teemu Kurkela, founder and creative partner of JKMM Architects, explains the philosophy of the project: “The main entrance was inspired by a traditional Arabic tent. Two cultures meet in the architectural concept of the pavilion. Hopefully, this will be the best space in expo for meeting face-to-face.”
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The project of the Finnish Pavilion, known as Snow Cape, has as its theme ‘Sharing Future Happiness’. Its goal is to highlight Finland’s commitment to sustainability, design technological innovation, circular economy, people’s wellbeing, and its deep connection with nature.
A sustainable pavilion, just like Finnish architecture
The tour of the pavilion includes a multi-sensory exhibit that engages the visitor with images, sounds, scents and materials. The collaboration between Futudesign, Sun Effects, Flatlight Creative House and JKMM Architects has created an exhibition that wants to communicate how a symbiosis between people, nature and technology can lead to greater happiness.
Sustainability is the common thread that guided the design and construction of the Pavilion. In fact, Snow Cape was built almost entirely with locally sourced materials, reducing the environmental impact of transportation and logistics.
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The entrance to the pavilion is on the façade, formed of white industrial fabric. This white façade contrasts with the granite floor tiles that, along with shallow water pools, recall the Finnish landscape; the interior minimizes the use of materials. The exhibition space features a 53-meter-long film display showing how nature and technology intertwine in daily life in Finland, the world’s happiest country according to the World Happiness Report for 4 consecutive years.
[Txt: Arianna Callocchia/ Ph: Marc Goodwin]
