Superlight

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Suspended from an extremely light structure, nine inflatables float above the Dubai sky, reflecting on their curved surface what is happening below them. 13,792 m3 of air enclosed in nine cylinders of recycled ETFE, with a minimum weight (260 g / m2) which are supported by asteel structure, studied, worked and calculated so as not to exceed 70 mm thick. The inflated cylinders, 730 centimeters in diameter, have a development of 8,000 m2, and their main novelty is that they are manufactured in a recycled and recyclable ETFE, which has never been used until now in a building, to achieve a density total cloud of 0.15 kg / m3.

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An ultralight Pavilion… and therefore ultra-removable, ultra-transportable, ultra-ephemeral and ultra-sustainable. Lightness as achallenge. Lightness as a paradigm of minimal impact, material savings and energy efficiency. Energy consumption that always goes directly proportional to mass. A Pavilion capable of surprising, generating memories and transmitting its messages through its own material conditions.

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This lightness is in turn what allows us to delve a little further and add a second layer by applying movement, and making litreally a pavilion that breathes, since the two front lines of inflatables havethe ability to move up and down, opening or closing the pavilion to the view, the sun and the breeze, adapting to the climate and the weather, and showing itself as a living artifact, creating the impression that everything is moving, that it is configured and adapted in one way or another to the changing conditions of the Expo: the sun, the light, the activities, the visitors, the schedules ...

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The Spanish Pavilion wants to be an icon that captivates the interest of visitors and that imprints a clear and direct imprint on their retinas, offering an unexpected experience, a surprising image, an unforgettable challenge. The Pavilion is not a building. It is amagical place, a fabulous event, a memorable experience that reinforces the image of Spain as an innovative and creative country.

Open

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The entire Pavilion is a Plaza, a Plaza open as are presentative of an idea from Spain, a typical Plaza de España, a plaza that only exists with its visitors. An elevated plaza covered by the nine memorable inflatables. A unique, welcoming, public and inclusive space. A place where everything is possible: shows, gastronomy, events, art, parties, meetings, rest… or nothing. A space that can be programmed and operated in multiple ways, incorporating waiting areas, stages, rest areas, terraces, art installations ... A place where various simultaneous activities can coexist ...or in which to celebrate a singular macro-event. A space in which everything fits. A square that expresses optimism, openness, integration, solidarity and creativity. A square as an expression of the Spanish character.

Always fresh

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Freshness and shade, part of our historical need, want to make this square, La Plaza, a place of reference for the entire Expo. A shady and cool square, adapted to the climate of Dubai with a natural thermal conditioning. The inflatables move to adapt to the daily movement of the sun and protect the square from its radiation during the entire period of the Expo.Below them, an array of large fans moves the air to accompany the gentle breeze generated by natural convection. The floor of the square is refreshing. Drip-moistened ceramic pieces that produce natural cooling by evaporation of water through their pores: the so-called “botijo ​​effect”. The keys to comfort are classic: shade, ventilation andmicro-evaporation. Also in Spain, the idea of ​​the square is classically linked to the presence of water. Contained, conducted and recirculated water; never wasted. The Plaza is dotted with three areas of native vegetation and moving water that are activated as small oases. Three zones that help to temper the heat and are a source of freshness, shadeand life. In the front area, below, a long sheet of water with vegetable plantations orders and refreshes the additional waiting space.