Uzbekistan Pavilion at Expo 2025: A Material-Driven Dialogue Between Heritage and Innovation

The Uzbekistan Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka offers an architectural response to the theme Garden of Knowledge: A Laboratory for a Future Society. Designed by ATELIER BRÜCKNER, the structure uses natural and reused materials to express ideas of transformation, identity, and sustainability. The project was commissioned by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation.

Circular Thinking in Material Use

The pavilion follows circular design principles. It is modular and fully demountable, making it suitable for relocation after the Expo. The building will be reassembled in Uzbekistan and reused as a cultural space, school, or workshop. This approach extends the use of materials while reducing waste.

One of the key materials is sugi cedar, a softwood harvested from nine forests around Osaka. This timber forms the pavilion’s pergola and rooftop. It connects Japanese and Uzbek woodworking traditions, which both value timber for its structural and cultural significance.

The walls combine clay from Awajishima island and bricks reclaimed from demolished buildings in Japan. These earth-based materials link the design to traditional Uzbek architecture and reduce the project’s environmental footprint. Gravel features in the exterior landscape, drawing inspiration from Japanese garden design and echoing Uzbekistan’s terrain.

Architecture Inspired by Nature and Culture

The spatial concept draws from the life cycle of a garden. The ground floor represents the soil or cultural “roots” of Uzbekistan. Clay and brick create a tactile, earth-toned atmosphere. As visitors move upwards, they reach a sculptural roof terrace framed by wooden columns. This level symbolises growth and blossoming.

A moving platform helps guide the visitor through the space, reinforcing the theme of transformation. The journey references Uzbek sites such as the Juma Mosque in Khiva, known for its carved wooden columns, and the clay fortresses of Bukhara. These elements are combined with Japanese timber construction adapted to seismic conditions.

Function and Recognition

The pavilion received a Gold award from the German Design Awards. It serves not only as an exhibition venue but also as a prototype for low-impact, temporary architecture with long-term value. Its design supports cultural storytelling while prioritising circular construction and material efficiency.

This project is relevant for architects, interior designers, exhibition designers, and other professionals focused on sustainable design. It demonstrates how traditional materials and techniques can contribute to modern construction that is both functional and environmentally responsible.

Source & photos: Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition / Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation / ATELIER BRÜCKNER