Monaco - Expo 2020 Dubai
The architecture of the Monaco Pavilion at Expo Dubai 2020 is inspired by a kaleidoscope that evokes the "Rock" of Monaco and reflects its multiple facets, its characteristics, its professions, its actions, its multiple perspectives, its diversity... and the incredible quantity of activities and opportunities, too often unknown, even unknown, offered by the Principality.
The main polygonal shape of the Pavilion with the predominant use of photovoltaic panels evokes Monaco's eco-responsible governance and its many actions in favour of the protection of the Environment under the will of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II.
The Pavilion has two priorities in terms of its ecological footprint
- a production/electricity consumption balance close to zero;
- and to strive for the complete recycling of the materials used.
With the expertise of the Société Monégasque d'Électricité et de Gaz (SMEG) teams, Monaco is producing energy by switching on the Pavilion's photovoltaic equipment from the end of 2019 until September 2022 to compensate for its electricity consumption during the 6 months of the exhibition. At nightfall, the Pavilion illustrates the metaphor of energy production and knowledge. After feeding on the sun's rays, the structure redistributes an inner light that it sends back to the world.
The Pavilion is spread out over different levels, just like the streets of Monaco, whose mazes are full of surprises. It is an invitation to discover, observe and interact with an environment full of cultural resources, research and know-how. It consists of a scenographic space where light is an essential element, a souvenir shop and a restaurant on the ground floor.
The logo makes a major contribution to the pavilion's visual identity: this large "M" represents the Principality of Monaco in a powerful and obvious way. In the imposing symbol, we see the image of a kaleidoscope or even a rock, probably in reference to the "Rock" of Monaco. The warm colour gradient reveals the unique lights of the sunset on the French Riviera. A spectrum of colour and modernity that leads visitors through the multiple facets of Monaco, from elegance to dynamism, from science to discovery. The filigree lines reflect the conceptual idea of "connections", which is reminiscent of the main theme of Expo 2020 "Connecting Minds, Building the Future".
VISITOR EXPERIENCE / JOURNEY
From the moment they enter the queue, visitors are immersed in the "History of Monaco" thanks to an iconographic frieze recounting the Grimaldi dynasty.
The visit is divided into two main scenographic areas. The first, called "The Garden of Opportunities", opens onto high-quality avant-garde projects and works carried out in Monaco and internationally. And the second, where we discover "Monaco's identity at 360°, a world of opportunities", like a firework display.
Once in "The Garden of Opportunities", with its olfactory signature of pine, iodine and sunshine, the visitor strolls through various scenographic stations in a bright and warm atmosphere to discover the facets of:
- Arts and Culture,
- Science and Polar and Bio-Medical Research,
- Protection of Biodiversity and the Oceans,
- Innovation and Technology,
- Explorations and International.
It looks like a kaleidoscopic fantasy garden that springs from the imagination. Inspired by the spectrum of warm colours of the French Riviera, the lighting ambience of the "Garden of Opportunities" changes throughout the day and immerses the Pavilion in a Mediterranean landscape. All the installations are interactive, each time offering a unique approach to visitors. The interfaces are varied and offer several forms of engagement for an interested and curious public.
The second is a show that reveals the "identity" of Monaco. A 360 degree immersion that takes the visitor into the history, culture and values of Monaco and its citizens.
On the first floor, a private and flexible space, inside the "Rock", allows the organisation of events, conferences and meetings to emphasise the Principality's involvement.
On leaving the Pavilion, a souvenir shop offers a varied range of items from the Principality of Monaco before giving way to a gustatory experience based on Monegasque and Mediterranean cuisine in the takeaway area.
Visitors can, if they wish, take a rest on the gentle slope of the "Chemin de la Porte Neuve", planted by Monaco's urban planning department, which leads to the foot of the Rock and to the first floor, or attend occasional artistic performances, which are offered throughout the Universal Exhibition.