Bureau International des Exhibitions (BIE) Silver Medal

In collaboration with exhibition designers Think!OTS, studio505 utilised the theme of the Exposition – Natures Wisdom and the three subthemes – Natures Matrix, The Art of Life, and the Development of Eco-Communities to create a show in three acts, representing the past, the present and the future. The pavilion housed a sequence of exhibition and gallery spaces, the public show, and retail, food and beverage areas on the ground floor. The VIP Trade Floor, DFAT and Commissioner General Offices, meeting rooms, function spaces and bathroom facilities were located on a mezzanine. The Australian Pavilion was awarded the Silver Medal at the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) awards.

Location

Status

Client

Gross Internal Area

Architect + Interior Design

Facade Design

Exhibition + Production Design

1012_expo-2005-6

1012_Expo 2005 6

1012_expo-2005-3-web

1012_Expo 2005 3-WEB

1012_expo-2005-8

1012_Expo 2005 8

1012_expo-2005-11

1012_Expo 2005 11

1012_expo-2005-10-web

1012_Expo 2005 10-WEB

1012_expo-2005-1-web

1012_Expo 2005 1-WEB

1012_expo-2005-19

1012_Expo 2005 19

1012_expo-2005-18-web

1012_Expo 2005 18-WEB

1012_expo-2005-12-web

1012_Expo 2005 12-WEB

1012_expo-2005-video

1012_Expo-2005-Video

(Facade Development)
Early facade experiments using cut and folded paper to produce patterns that explored natural geometries, Fibonacci sequences and golden ratios among others.
The intriguing facade surface is created from stainless steel-clad polycarbonate composite panels with intricate laser cut patterns and shapes.
The facade was designed in collaboration with renowned Australian Artist Geoff Nees. It is a visually engaging and magical addition to the building. The intriguing surface is created from stainless steel-clad polycarbonate composite panels with intricate laser cut patterns and shapes, subsequently folded outwards to create a three-dimensional effect. Concentric flower shapes are composed from a series of petals that were physically peeled out by hand, each varying in size.
Smaller laser cut stars form a cluster reminiscent of the Milky Way. These incisions catch the sunlight during the daytime reflecting it playfully into the forecourt. Computer controlled bud lights are fitted into the polycarbonate panels at the location of the starbursts and constellation stars, backlighting the façade in the evening.
(Interior)
studio505 delivered the interior design, as well as designs for furniture and joinery units. The driving theme was to create the sense of space and openness found in Australia (within a very tight space) by using flowing lines and surfaces of continuity. The textiles and wallpaper prints used in the interior are based on Florence Broadhurst designs. All timbers and veneers used are sourced from native Australian species.
(Act Two)
Act Two inside the Pavilion is defined by the data forest of plasma screen clad totems surrounded by a ten metre high curved wall, creating a sixteen metre diameter cylinder. The wall is clad in highly expressive three-dimensional glass reinforced concrete panels, creating a continuous surface of interweaving horizontal surfaces. A perfectly flat black barrisol ceiling above the forest and a highly polished black granite floor surrounding the totems create the impression of an infinite vertical stream of information. A timber floor arranged in the geometry of a spider web draws visitors into the vertical stream of information.

The Australian Pavilion, 2005 World Expo

Location

Status

Client

Gross Internal Area