Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava has designed a curved structure that pays homage to Qatar's coat of arms for the country's pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Calatrava's Qatar Pavilion opens today with the rest of Expo 2020 Dubai, which was rescheduled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and will now take place until March 2022.
The Qatar Pavilion is informed by the country's coat of arms
Representing Qatar at the international event, the pavilion was informed by the country's national emblem adopted in 1976.
Qatar's coat of arms includes two curved and crossed swords, illustrated to look as if they are holding a patch of seawater, on which a traditional dhow boat and an island with palm trees are positioned.
Neutral colours are used for the pavilion's interiors According to the architect, the sweeping shape of Qatar's pavilion echoes the essence of this insignia, through a design that exudes "movement, mobility, strength and tradition."
"The Qatar Pavilion pays tribute to the country's coat of arms, which is rooted in its rich history and cultural heritage," said Calatrava, who heads his eponymous practice.
"Each element informed the curvilinear design of the pavilion which evokes the image of sails on passing ships," Calatrava's office told Dezeen.
"The structure?s surroundings tell as much of a story as the building itself. The entrance to the pavilion is marked by a sculptural monument that represents two intertwined palm trees a...