Shell of Light - Pavilion Expo Osaka 2025
Ines J. Pedras wooden geometrical is the proposal pavilion to connect visitors with nature at Expo 2025 Osaka – The structure is ecologically responsible, that is, it reflects the underlying principles of nature while improving the systems that support opportunities in a welcoming Japanese Sakura space.
The Osaka Pavilion is in Yumeshima (“The Island of Dreams”), a 390-hectare artificial island in Osaka Bay. The building is greened with a design of a rigid panels obtained from the repetition of a pentagonal module, the sustainability derives from the use of wood as a construction material, which allows it to be harmoniously integrated into the Japanese context.
Shell proposal is the design of a rigid panel structure supported by computational design and digital fabrication. The starting point is the identification of a pentagonal module found in natural forms such as corals or animal shells.This geometric module is then replicated in space according to the needs of the construction and in communication with the facades that can be observed from the interior. For both, the context is mixed with activity and form, the interior finishes provide the qualities are combined with natural materials and fits well with the place. Also, it explores the possible combinations of this module and the artistic shadows that it reflects through its holes.
The Pavilion will feature several multi-sensory installations that offer guests a “Forest of Tranquillity”. It will introduce visitors to ‘Design the society of the future for our lives”’, who come from around the world and are contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future into curating the problems use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and employment, while preserving ecosystem health.
It aims to strengthen those bonds by integrating the qualities of the living into the design and the making process of public structures.
“Biomateriality and textures than can unite disciplines, grain textures variety pleated as much more distintive identities”.
Interior views © Ines J. Pedras
During the development phase, finding a very versatile module also saves on design costs. If there is a need to build structures of different shapes and sizes, a new design from scratch is not required, since all possible combinations of this module. It can be dismantled and adapted to new uses, either in the same shape or in different ones.
Indeed, the elements and materials can be easily recovered, reused and disposed of without causing further pollution with global recycling: an important prerogative of sustainable architecture.
Each element is designed to be assembled with the possibility of subsequent disassembly.
The main entrance is in the northern part of the Pavilion World, in the “Connecting Lives” themed area. Unpredictability, the self-sufficiency and the never-ending growing process characterizing the living and nature would have a revolutionary impact on how we plan and build our urban environment. Thus, establishing a more respectful and equitable dialogue between us and nature would profoundly shift our living paradigms and contribute to the creation.
Anxonometric and visualizations © Ines J. Pedras
Ines J. Pedras is a licensed architect and founder, from the Polytechnic University (ETSAM) Throughout her education she took and imparted international advanced computational design courses.
She was a member of award-winning projects around the world, including many Japanese projects with Kengo Kuma & Associates and her participation at the Expo Dubai 2020.
Her curiosities spawned GemStones Architecture, her company or own body of space exploration. The work has been exhibited in Europe and Asia and it’s recently based in the Middle East.
Name: Shell of Light 2025
Architect: Ines J. Pedras
Architect: Ines J. Pedras
Proposal
Author site: inesjpedras.com
Author site: inesjpedras.com
Social Media
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gemstones-arch
