Designing the striking façade Named the ‘Kumiko Façade’ which will be reused at Osaka Kansai Expo 2025

Façades that allow wind and light to penetrate 

To create an open space for the queue area outside the pavilion, we proposed a freestanding façade by using a folded shape for the flat pattern. This shape reduced the number of members as compared to a normal three-dimensional truss, while helping minimise the size of the joints where the primary members of the façade and the membrane-supporting secondary members are connected. 

With small pieces of triangular-shaped membranes scattered throughout, the façade also functions as a filter that allows light and wind to gently penetrate. One of the design challenges was to enable the membranes to waver in the wind. Working with the supplier, we were able to create dynamic membranes by combining a spring with a rope that supports the membranes while maintaining an appropriate level of tension. 

Additionally, our structural and fire engineers conducted fire simulations at an early stage to ensure safety and achieve a sensitive façade without fireproof cladding. 

The membranes are made of a fluoropolymer membrane material that turns from beige to a stable white colour under UV light, and we determined the layout by taking into account the way light enters the building. In addition, we worked with the architect prior to construction to conduct final verification using VR with 3D-CAD tools.

Water feature 

The architect took reference from different interpretations of water to design the water feature. In Japan, the abundance of water is related to beautiful seasons and can also be a threat, whereas in the Middle East, water resources are scarce and serve as an object of admiration, as represented by oases. In light of this, the water feature was installed at the front of the building as a symbol of both cultures. 

The water feature also brings environmental benefits. With wind flowing over the top of the basin, it helps lower the temperature of the passing air through heat exchange and evaporative cooling and allows cool breezes to enter the semi-outdoor space. In addition, the semi-outdoor space is shielded from the sun by the façade, and the airflow created by the giant fan mounted atop is used to moderate the thermal environment.