Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion (Terra)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Middle East

Completed · Civic · Net-Positive Energy Pavilion · Arid · 2021

A 1,800 m² pavilion designed to generate more energy than it consumes in a desert climate, using 1,024 solar-panel tree canopies to power the building and shade the external plaza, while producing potable water from atmospheric moisture via 24 dew-collection units. The structural system uses a single central column supporting a 130 m diameter canopy with no perimeter supports.

Innovation highlights

  • net-positive energy operation in 45°C desert climate — generates surplus fed to grid
  • atmospheric water generation producing 20 litres/day per unit from desert air
  • 1,024 photovoltaic panel-tree canopy providing shade and power simultaneously
  • single central structural column spanning 130 m canopy with no perimeter supports
  • post-Expo conversion to permanent education facility built into brief
Client / Developer
Expo 2020 Dubai / UAE Government
Architect
Grimshaw Architects
Engineer
Arup
Type
Net-Positive Energy Pavilion

#net-positive energy #atmospheric water harvesting #solar canopy #single-column structure #arid climate #Grimshaw

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