The Grand Ring of the Osaka Expo, designed by Sou Fujimoto, is the world's largest wooden structure. It us a 675-meter elevated circular walkway that frames the Expo site. Rising 12 meters, it symbolizes unity and openness. Inspired by traditional Japanese joinery, its timber elements are crafted using age-old woodworking techniques adapted to modern structural needs. The result is a contemporary landmark.
My main goal was to highlight the structure and monumental scale of the Grand Ring. During my time there, on rainy and sunny days, I observed how its architectural intent met unexpected human moments: offering shade, framing light, and becoming shelter. My images explore this duality, bold infrastructure shaped by weather, light, and quiet human presence.
As a temporary structure built for Expo 2025 Osaka, the Grand Ring is already being dismantled. These images therefore document a very limited moment in time, preserving a structure that will soon exist only through photographs.