The Mitsubishi Group pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai adopts the theme “keeping the world vibrant,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of life, nature, and human society. Its spatial composition begins with a semi-underground elliptical area, atop which a rhombus is placed so its vertices meet the oval’s interior curve. A rectangle is then set within the rhombus. Each shape represents a specific element—ellipse for life, rhombus for nature, and rectangle for society—while the pavilion as a whole shows how these elements support one another. Lacking a single front-facing façade, it presents a multi-directional design that engages both the main plaza at the east gate and the peripheral roads on the opposite side.
Interior experience
Visitors traverse the pavilion by moving three-dimensionally through its “body,” experiencing spaces focused on a main video exhibition. They first descend into the semi-underground Waiting Park, a shaded area kept cool by blocking direct sunlight and promoting airflow. From there, they ascend to the Pre-Show on the first level for an orientation video, then proceed to the Main Show on the second level. Afterward, they return to the first floor for the Post-Show before reaching an area at the tip of the structure called Sankaku Park (Triangle Park), designed to appear as if it is hovering above the ground.
Resource circularity and minimal impact
A key priority is the small-scale circular use of resources. Since the pavilion will be dismantled after the six-month Expo, it touches the ground minimally to preserve the soil. Excavated earth is reused for site reclamation, reflecting the aim to leave the area in its original condition.
The design team rethought the use of temporary materials commonly reserved for construction, incorporating them as finished elements to lower environmental and economic impacts. The exterior combines polycarbonate panels and steel scaffolding in equal measure, while items such as sandbags, scaffolding pipes, tread plates, lighting fixtures, and fans can be repurposed on-site. Blue tarps, ceiling framing materials, laminated timber, oriented strand board (OSB), and chain mesh fencing are also woven into the interior finishes.
Semi-outdoor environment and lighting
Most of the interior is designed as a semi-outdoor space akin to the Japanese engawa (veranda), reducing the need for air conditioning. Overly dramatic lighting effects are avoided, replaced by soft illumination emanating from within the building to create subtle gradients of light and shadow. This approach aligns with traditional Japanese aesthetics of darkness while giving the pavilion depth and richness. Overall, every facet of the design—from soil preservation to minimized energy use and material repurposing—reflects a focus on sustainability and resource efficiency.
