Expo District 2020

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Architects: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Client: Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Photographers: Complements of the architects

Master planning, urban design and architectural design for World Expo 2020 hosted by Dubai.  The master plan addresses city growth goals in order that Expo investments in infrastructure and buildings advance long-term UAE objectives for economic and social advancement.  Following the Expo, the entire site will transform into a mixed-use technology hub focused on global logistics to leverage its adjacency to new international airport and deep-sea port assets.  Rebranded District 2020, this urban innovation lab will contain 32 million sf at full buildout of mixed work-live-learn development with public transit, exhibition facilities and regional attractions.  The 500-acre site is accessible via regional expressways and the Dubai Metro commuter rail is under construction.  Approximately 5.4 million sf of permanent buildings are being constructed for the Expo that will be converted into an office, residential and educational facilities organized around small-scale blocks and neighborhood parks.  Firm-developed performance specifications and guidelines are being implemented to assure Expo 2020 is among the most sustainable global events on record with power to influence UAE development policy for decades to come.

At its center, the firm designed Al Wasl Plaza.  Al Wasl is a 4-acre garden and performance venue framed by five office and hotel buildings.  By day, the plaza is shaded by a 425’ wide by 220’ tall trellis.  By night, the trellis transforms into a dynamic 360-degree projection screen that will be the largest spherical media platform in the world.  The trellis enables immersive group experiences, while also creating an iconic identity for District 2020.

The EXPO-2020 client is a government-backed organization that is planning the exposition in Dubai. The UAE and Dubai Governments have supported the group in both financial and non-financial ways. Following the successful bid to host the Expo, the Government of Dubai formed the Higher Committee to facilitate a coordinated Government approach to the planning and delivery of Expo-2020 Dubai. Its members come from various Government organizations across the UAE, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise. In 2016, they continued to work closely with the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the international body that oversees all World Expos.

Increased connectivity is one of the most important factors for promoting pedestrian travel and improving neighborhood walkability.  Small blocks sizes and frequent intersections enable convenient walking and cycling to community destinations with the goal of reducing vehicle miles traveled and related carbon emissions, less road congestion and improved air quality. The district has a highly connected core area with frequent intersections and small block sizes. Pedestrian-only routes improve walkability within the district, allowing direct access to most parcels through the necessity to cross only one or two vehicular streets. The streets are narrower, slower and more pedestrian-focused at the center of the site, becoming wider and capable of supporting faster-moving traffic as they connect to regional roadways at the perimeter of the site. Mobility is considered at the mass transit, shared and individual transport, and pedestrian and cycling levels. Public transportation is based upon two main strategies - Dubai Metro that brings people to the site and public bus service for intradistrict transportation needs. Three routes are provided - an outer ring clockwise-anticlockwise circulator; a middle ring clockwise-anticlockwise circulator; and, an inner ring one-way anticlockwise circulator. Buses will be electric and can be manned or autonomous.  Autonomous bus service is planned at demonstration scale for Expo 2020.