Nordic Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka,
designed by Michele De Lucchi, AMDL Circle
At world exhibitions, architecture has always been more than just a backdrop for the content on display - it has been their carrier, a form of communication and an expression of identity. This is also the case with the Nordic Pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, which was created through the cooperation of five countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Although they differ in culture, language and history, they share a common vision of a future based on social trust, environmental responsibility and innovation. Acclaimed Italian architect Michele De Lucchi is responsible for the design with AMDL Circle studio, while Rimond is responsible for the implementation.
The Nordic Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka - interior view
© The Nordic Pavilion
architecture as a manifesto
The resulting 1,200-square-meter, 17-meter-high space is not just an exhibition pavilion, but a full-fledged architectural story - about the north, about community and about the possibilities offered by conscious design. The building's form is reminiscent of the archetypal Scandinavian barn - simple, functional, with a distinctive gabled roof that flows seamlessly into the side walls. This geometric purity gives the building an original, almost symbolic character. However, it is not a nostalgic reconstruction, but a transformation of a familiar form in the spirit of contemporary thinking about space - economical, ecological, rooted in context.
The Nordic Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka - the pattern of small elements on the facade evokes associations with the aurora borealis, starry skies or snowy winds
© The Nordic Pavilion
The facade is covered in dark wood with a distinctive, slightly tan surface that evokes traditional Japanese wood preservation methods such as shou sugi ban. This treatment gives the building a distinctive and durable look, while also fitting in with the Nordic aesthetic of using natural and resilient materials. The facade of horizontal slats creates an openwork effect, while the pattern of small elements evokes associations with the aurora borealis, starry skies or snowy winds.
The lump of the Nordic Pavilion resembles an archetypal barn - minimalist, austere, but full of cultural and symbolic meanings
© The Nordic Pavilion
interior - a space for meeting an idea
What is minimalist on the outside, on the inside gains depth and expression. The monumental interior is dominated by raw wooden beams, simplicity of forms and handling of chiaroscuro. The architecture here becomes almost sacred - not by religious connotations, but by an atmosphere of concentration and respect for the surrounding nature.
The layout of the space promotes multifunctionality: the first floor is an exhibition area and store, the upper floors house a conference center with a main hall and smaller spaces for meetings and events. On the roof - a restaurant with a garden, creating a place for relaxation and culinary experiences amidst the greenery characteristic of the north.
The Nordic Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka - interior view
© The Nordic Pavilion
sustainability as a foundation
The idea of sustainable design was not treated here as an add-on, but as a starting point. The wooden structure allows for natural air circulation, reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning systems. The roof protects against rain while allowing ventilation. All the materials used were selected with longevity, renewability and reusability in mind. The pavilion doesn't just demonstrate innovative technical solutions - he himself is part of them. It's a building that leaves no trace - literally and symbolically - but rather fits into its surroundings with humility and attention.
The facade of the Nordic Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka.
© The Nordic Pavilion
a multi-sensory experience
The pavilion offers visitors not only a space to see, but also to experience. The immersive "Whirl" exhibition uses lightweight, transparent structures made of renewable materials that float in the air like swirling paper sculptures. They are accompanied by dynamic images of Scandinavian life , lighting effects, changing temperatures and smells - all of which engage all the senses, creating a full, sensory experience of the region.
The Nordic Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka - inside you can see an immersive exhibition
© The Nordic Pavilion
The space, laboriously titled "Landscape," features three black rock-like formations. They are interactive installations that respond to movement, activating multimedia projections. Each tells a story about one of the key aspects of the Nordic social model: lifestyle and well-being, mobility and connectivity, green transformation and circular economy.
The Nordic Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka - interior view
© The Nordic Pavilion
technologies that bring you closer
Also new is a mobile extension of the experience - using a smartphone and a QR code, visitors can "fly away" on a virtual journey over the Nordic countries. This is a dynamic presentation of modern solutions, such as the CO₂ capture installation in Iceland and the impressive bicycle infrastructure in Copenhagen. As a result, the contact with the pavilion starts already in the queue - and continues long after the visit is over.
There are also lighter touches - an ice cream stand awaits in front of the entrance, and food trucks with Nordic delicacies on event days. These are small gestures, but perfectly in line with the idea of hospitality and sharing culture in everyday form.
The Nordic Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka - view of the rooftop garden
© The Nordic Pavilion
architecture of community
The Nordic Pavilion is an example of architecture that is not only functional or impressive, but above all meaningful. Here, space, form and matter have been subordinated to a story of values: simplicity, trust, community and respect for the environment. The project does not seek monumentality - its strength is consistency, subtlety and a deeply humanistic approach. In an age of excess and spectacular gestures, the architecture of "Nordic Circle" restores faith in design as the art of conversation - with the user, with the landscape, with the future. It is not just an exhibition pavilion, but a manifesto of the contemporary north - austere, responsible and open-minded.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of The Nordic Pavilion.
