Japanese architect Shigeru Ban has unveiled the Blue Ocean Dome pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka, a striking example of sustainable architecture that blends innovation with environmental responsibility. The pavilion, commissioned by the non-profit Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives (ZERI), is constructed using eco-friendly materials such as cardboard tubes, laminated bamboo, and carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, highlighting new possibilities in temporary event design.
The pavilion comprises three domes: the entrance (Dome A), the central dome (Dome B), and the exit (Dome C), all enveloped in a translucent polycarbonate skin. Dome A features laminated bamboo-a choice driven by Japanese building codes that restrict the use of natural bamboo-offering controlled strength and durability while maintaining an organic aesthetic. Dome C showcases Ban’s signature use of cardboard tubes arranged in a molecular-like framework, emphasizing lightweight construction and ease of disassembly.
The centerpiece, Dome B, innovatively employs carbon-fiber reinforced plastic tubes, a material more common in aerospace and automotive industries than architecture. This choice eliminates the need for heavy concrete foundations, as the lightweight structure weighs less than the soil displaced during construction. Ban explains, “We don’t need any concrete piles,” which shortens construction time and reduces environmental impact, embodying the pavilion’s ethos of sustainability.
Inside, the Blue Ocean Dome serves as a platform for ocean conservation awareness. Renowned Japanese designer Kenya Hara, known for his work with Muji, curated the exhibits in Domes A and B. Visitors experience a 360-degree immersive film in Dome B, highlighting the critical importance of protecting the world’s oceans from pollution and human-induced damage. The pavilion’s design and content aim to educate and inspire visitors to engage in environmental stewardship.Shigeru Ban’s Blue Ocean Dome stands as a testament to how cutting-edge materials and thoughtful design can create impactful, eco-conscious spaces that resonate with global sustainability goals-perfectly timed for Expo 2025’s theme of a greener future.