Partisans has unveiled its proposal for crystallized interactive Canada Pavilion for the Expo 2020. The pavilion, designed in collaboration with HXouse and Besix, is composed of thousands of surfaces that allow various social framework that shows Canada as a model for the world. 

Canada's theme for Expo 2020 Dubai is "The Future in Mind" and the theme will highlight Canadian leadership in key sectors including advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, digital innovations, aerospace, clean energy and education. Expo 2020 will be held in Dubai from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021. 

Named Portal, the pavilion is aimed to use data collection and artificial intelligence (AI) to reinterpret the country’s diverse population as a crystalline AI-generated interactive cloud.

Portal aims to create an “alluring architectural invitation to step inside the Canadian identity.” The Portal pavilion is envisioned as a transitive cloud that provides spaces to exhibition galleries and shaded semi-public spaces. 

Its crystallined form, generated almost from computational data, provides an openness with zillions of fragmentations that represent the diversity of Canadian culture. Taking a cloud-like shape, the architects described it as "a land of boundless opportunity, onto which the dreams of its residents are projected real-time digitally."

Climatic conditions also define the shape of the pavilion. The architects used the interlocking panels that capture and interact with the changing sunlight, the canopy acts as a conduit for natural ventilation. 

Using water features inside also contributes to a microclimate within the canopy, while emphasizing regional uses of water for aesthetic and auditory pleasure.

At the core of the scheme, the architects aimed to create a sculpture designed by a Canadian indigenous artist. The Portal pavilion will house exhibitions, meeting rooms, VIP areas, and admin spaces, and all of them inside will be made of simple climate-controlled boxes.

Project facts

Design Architects: Partisans
Public Presentation: MET
Acoustic and Live Performance Consultant: Charcoal Blue
Artificial Intelligence Specialist: Augmenta
Cultural Advisor: HXOUSE
Environmental Consultants: RWDI
Design-Built Construction Manager: Six Construct
Operations and Maintenance: Five Continents
Architect of Record (UAE): Rice Perry Ellis
Structural Engineer: Maffeis Engineering 

All images courtesy of Partisans

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