Groundbreaking ceremony for Expo pavilion construction
Osaka, Japan - March 5, 2024 - The Netherlands officially kicked off construction for its pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, with a groundbreaking ceremony held today at the Expo site in Yumeshima.
Building a sustainable future together
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from both Japan and the Netherlands, including Hiroyuki Ishige, Secretary General of the Japan International Exposition Association 2025, and Marc Kuipers, Consul General of the Netherlands in Osaka and Commissioner General for the Netherlands' display area at Expo 2025.
The Netherlands pavilion, themed "Common Ground," will showcase innovative solutions for the world's most pressing challenges, such as climate change, food security, and an aging population.
"Our world needs collaboration to tackle these issues," said Marc Kuipers. "Expo 2025 offers a platform for the Netherlands to share its expertise and work together towards a sustainable future."
Sustainability at its core
The pavilion itself embodies the theme of sustainability. Designed by RAU Architects, the building will be fully circular, utilizing recycled materials and employing construction methods that allow for disassembly and reuse after the Expo.
"We need to transition to a circular economy," said Thomas Rau. "The Netherlands Pavilion showcases this by being demountable and reusable, highlighting our responsibility as guests on this planet."
A glimpse into the future
Visitors to the Netherlands pavilion, opening in April 2025, will experience cutting-edge technologies harnessing the power of water to accelerate the shift towards clean, renewable energy.
The pavilion's design reflects its message. An elongated building with a central luminous sphere symbolizes the sun and the unlimited potential of clean energy. Recycled materials and water motifs woven into the structure reinforce the commitment to sustainability.