Polish pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka,
design: interplay.
How to tell the story of a country in a few minutes of walking? How to translate the complexity of culture, history and modernity into an architectural form that will simultaneously delight, intrigue and be memorable? Such a challenge was faced by architects from the Warsaw-based studio interplay., creating the concept for the Polish Pavilion for the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. The result of their work is a design that not only fits in with the event's theme - "Designing the Future Society for Our Lives" - but also redefines what a national representation can be in a global context.
The spiral form of the pavilion, organic and dynamic, is not just an aesthetic endeavor - it is a conscious decision to build a narrative around the idea of flow: knowledge, innovation, culture and energy
visuals: BAIrender © interplay.
spiral form as an architectural metaphor
The starting point for the project was spiral geometry - a form familiar from nature, mathematics and art history, present in biological structures, planetary systems and art from prehistory to the present. However, the spiral composition of the Polish Pavilion was not treated solely as an aesthetic motif. In this case, the spiral is a symbol of the processes that characterize today's world: the cross-border flow of ideas, the migration of technology, the circulation of knowledge and its return in a new, enriched form. The form of the building unfolds in motion - it leads visitors through successive parts of the exhibition in a natural, almost intuitive way. The architecture does not impose itself, but becomes a guide. It is a space where function and symbol permeate each other, and each step is a continuation of the story.
The facades of the Polish Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka consist of wooden modules in the shape of the letter 'V'.
© interplay.
organic lump and modular structure
The lump of the pavilion is a dynamic composition with organic lines, consisting of several segments that are arranged in a harmonious spiral. Their geometric, modular structure is reminiscent of a honeycomb or spatial grid - repetitive but varied. This modularity gives the building a distinct rhythm, while at the same time allowing great flexibility of arrangement.
The Polish Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai - first floor plan.
© interplay.
The facade made of wood with a warm amber hue gives the pavilion not only a friendly character, but also a unique formal expression. In daylight, the facade pulsates with texture, in evening light - it almost becomes a luminous sculpture. The wavy structure and vertical and diagonal divisions make the facade alive with movement and light, constantly changing depending on the time of day and the angle of view.
The Polish Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai - the facade was made of wood.
© interplay.
wood - a conscious material choice
The decision to use wood as the main material is not only about aesthetics, but above all about responsibility. Wood, as a renewable raw material, has a lower carbon footprint than concrete or steel. In the design of the Polish Pavilion, it was used both as a structural element and as a finishing element - building the identity of the building as ecological, environmentally friendly and drawing on natural resources.
The V-shaped wooden modules serve a structural, organizing and aesthetic function. They give the mass a rhythm, facilitate its proportional shaping and are a clear hallmark of the pavilion. From afar, the structure appears dynamic, almost vibrant, while up close, it offers rich texture and a sensual experience of the material.
interior as a space of experience
The centerpiece of the pavilion is the performance room - an intimate, atmospheric space inspired by the slenderness of willow trees and the warmth of amber. It is here that visitors will be able to listen to Frédéric Chopin's music, experience it in a space designed for emotion, silence, resonance. The interior does not dazzle with form - its strength is its moodiness, acoustics and symbolism.
The center of the pavilion is an intimate performance hall - a symbol of culture and identity
© interplay.
The entire spiral composition leads through the exhibition, store, restaurant - each of these functions has an independent entrance, which increases functionality and allows the pavilion to be used in different configurations. The space is flexible, open to different scenarios of use - from individual sightseeing to cultural events and business meetings.
In the performance hall, visitors will be able to listen to the music of Frederic Chopin
© interplay.
international cooperation, local sensitivity
The project was developed in collaboration with an international team of experts. The interplay office is responsible for the architectural concept, and their partners in Japan are komy studio (local architecture), Jun Sato Structural Engineers (structural engineering), Fuuchi (landscape), Amber (lighting) and BAIrender studio (visualization). Such collaboration has made it possible to combine design precision with local cultural and technical sensibilities.
Polish Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai - visualization of the bird's eye view
visualization: BAIrender © interplay.
space as a message
The Polish Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka is not just an architectural object - it is a manifesto. Thoughtful form, modular structure, balanced choice of materials and deep symbolism create a design that combines aesthetics with ethics. The spiral geometry becomes a metaphor for change, flow and return, and the architecture becomes a storytelling tool for a country that combines innovation with culture, the future with memory. In times of global challenges such as climate change, social crises and technological transformation, the architecture of the national pavilion becomes an expression of attitude. The Polish pavilion in Osaka responds to these challenges with sensitivity, awareness and imagination - designing a future that is open, sustainable and humane.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of interplay studio.
