24. Januar 2022
Due to the corona situation, the first World Expo to be held in an Arab country opened its doors with a one-year delay on 1st October 2021. Over 190 nations are presenting spectacular buildings to the over 25 million visitors expected by the managers of EXPO 2020 up to the end of March 2022. The theme of the event is "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future". The country pavilions are connected by elegant shading systems designed and engineered by Werner Sobek, a global engineering and architecture consultancy based in Germany. The innovative constructions span an area of around 96,000 square metres – equivalent to the size of 13 football pitches.
The EXPO 2020 pavilions stand on land that was previously barren desert. Visitors have 182 days to explore the newly created site before it is transformed into a new Dubai neighbourhood, "District 2020", when the World Expo ends. 80 percent of the buildings and structures built for the EXPO will be retained.
The shading structures covering the walkways between the exhibition pavilions will also continue to be used after the EXPO. These elegant roofing elements provide pleasant shade in Dubai's hot desert climate. Werner Sobek was responsible for these shade structures from the very beginning – starting with the design, general engineering, structural engineering, sustainability concept and support for the certification to CEEQUAL right through to construction supervision. "We are proud that our shade structures played a major part in shaping the EXPO site," declares Holger Hinz, who was closely involved in the project over a period of years in his role as General Manager of Werner Sobek Dubai.
Based on the principle of a large-span steel-frame structure, Werner Sobek designed three different shading systems. Varying in their visual impression, they are united by the task of acting as a link: "They provide a harmonious connection between the heterogeneous pavilion buildings without competing against them," explains Marc Gabriel, Werner Sobek’s lead architect in the project. He adds: "The client demanded an architectural and engineering highlight, but one that didn't steal the limelight from the pavilions and still ensured a clear view of them. Comprehensive studies were carried out to determine the precise geometry of the sunshade roofs." The shade structures ensure a reduction in ambient temperature of up to five degrees Celsius during the warm months, ensuring a much more pleasant visit to the EXPO in the desert state. "To make sure this was the case, we produced microclimate simulations of the entire public space – including the surrounding buildings and planned vegetation – at several stages in the project," explains Leman Altinisik, one of Werner Sobek’s sustainability experts.
A shading system with around 3,500 bird-shaped membrane figures spanning up to four metres covers an area of 16,400 square metres. The winged elements are supported by multi-layered horizontal wire meshing. Climbing plants provide greenery for the second system. These pergolas feature around 11,000 plants rooted at the shading level and cover an area of approx. 19,000 square metres. Besides creating shade, the plants also provide natural cooling by means of evaporation.
When conducting his research to identify a suitable material, Werner Sobek placed great importance on a high level of homogeneity, resource efficiency, recyclability and reducing emissions. "It was the choice of material that enabled the design in the first place," says Marc Gabriel. "We also wanted our design to arouse awareness with regard to sustainability."
The shade structures were certified to CEEQUAL Platinum, thus reflecting Werner Sobek's high standards in terms of durable, resource-saving construction. CEEQUAL is the world leading sustainability assessment and awards scheme for construction projects in the fields of infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects. The excellent certification was due to the structures' excellent properties in terms of dismantling and recycling plus the fact that a very large proportion of the materials used was sourced in the region.
Founded by Werner Sobek in 1992, the company is internationally synonymous with engineering, design and sustainability and employs over 350 employees with offices located in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Istanbul, Moscow, New York, Stuttgart and Vienna. Every Werner Sobek project is characterized by a winning combination of outstanding design and premium engineering, incorporating ingenious concepts to minimize the use of energy and material resources.
Werner Sobek AG is run under the management of Roland Bechmann, Prof. Dr. Lucio Blandini, Stephen Hagenmayer and Prof. Dr. Thomas Winterstetter. Prof. Dr. Werner Sobek acts as Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
For further information please visit: https://www.wernersobek.com/