The Brazil pavilion projects a subtle shade over Osakan soil. Throughout its three floors, the pavilion approaches water as the source of life by means of the Flying Rivers: dense clouds filled with water that fly above Brazilian territory.
The volume stands as a canopy suspended by porticos that draws a memorable curve in the horizon. Within it, a solid central nucleus surrounded by a metallic curtain composed of a fluid weave that moves with the wind and serves as a screen to the outside world.
A fold in the curtain reveals the inside of the pavilion to the public. Inside this ample double height space permeated by fresh vapor, a hermetic volume hangs beneath a cloud, supported by two elements: a translucid box and a tunnel, reflective and profound.
On the ground floor, the path through the building is organized around a large central walkway. This passage leads to the first immersive experience within the ramps that lead to the exhibition space above. Considering the large queues that form in the pavilions, the path between storeys already begins the narrative journey of the expo. The ramps are an invitation to pass by as well as to linger. Authorities, in turn, are able to cross the pavillion and access an exclusive elevator and staircase that lead directly to the floor above.
Expo staff have direct access from the service walkway to a side entrance connected to the service areas and to a restricted vertical path to the administrative floor.
The roof of this administrative volume is the main exhibition space. A sensory and immersive experience invites visitors for a walk on water: an artificial riverbed, over which the exhibition will be reflected. Beneath the canopy, a cloud of vapor forms, dense yet fleeting, as if it will pour the waters of the Amazon over Osakan soil.
Aware of the challenges in construction at Expo Osaka, the Brazil pavilion proposes a dry, modular structural system with simple connections. This system is fit for dealing with the difficulties imposed by the terrain, the long wait for construction materials and scarce workforce.
The pillars as well as the internal box that houses the administrative functions and supports the exhibition space, are composed of rented metal elements, commonly used in temporary structures. The main advantage of this choice is the small carbon footprint it leaves, as the materials are reused and not discarded at the end of the event.
View Original