The award-winning Japan Pavilion was commissioned and built for the Expo 2000 trade fair in Hanover, an international showcase for the latest in technological and environmental innovation from around the world. Commissioned by the Japan External Trade Organisation, the pavilion was developed as a double curved gridshell to span the exhibition space column free. In the spirit of Expo, this unique and elegant building was designed to 'touch the ground lightly,' its use of natural materials ensuring minimal waste at the end of its short life.
The structure of the 3,500m2 clear span enclosure consisted of a core of paper-covered cardboard tubes connected to a series of timber arches stiffened by cables. Over 80% of these construction materials were recycled after the exhibition closed.
In keeping with the environmentally-friendly design of the building, the different exhibits were based on the theme of making more efficient use of resources and reducing CO2 emissions.
Taking advantage of the flexible nature of the paper tubes and the jointing system made from fabric and metal tape, the entire gridshell was constructed flat, bent into shape and lifted into its final position. It was then clad with a membrane fabricated from glass fibre reinforced fire proof paper.
Date: Completed in 2000
