Austrian Pavilion

Austria’s pavilion in Dubai is another extraordinary project and a worthy successor to its award-winning pavilions at the last two Expos in Milan in 2015 and Astana in 2017.

The "Austria makes sense" programme reflects a holistic and well-thought-out concept from the smart, sustainable architecture to the exhibition inside the pavilion and combines people, technology, and the environment in an engaging experience for all senses.

A special area, the iLab will show forward-looking solutions from Austria.

"The winning project by querkraft architekten stands out because of its distinctive architectural qualities, both in terms of its exterior appearance and in terms of the possibilities for interior design. The deliberate sensual character of the architecture creates attractive possibilities for interdisciplinary cooperation with artists and designers from other disciplines."
Excerpt from the jury statement

Award for pavilion

In September 2021 the pavilion received the international recognized “Global Architecture & Design Award 2021” in the category “sustainable architecture”.

So how does the pavilion look?
- The Austrian pavilion is made from interlaced cones, plastered with loam rendering. The truncated cones are cut off at different heights, creating openings for light in varying sizes, which results in an impactful experience of the space. The Austrian pavilion brings the advantages of the combination of traditional and state-of-the-art building knowhow to life: pollutant-free, pleasant room climate, striking lighting ambiance, and spectacular and multifaceted room sequences.
What is there to see and do in the pavilion?
- The focus is being placed on the visitors, who will be able to experience Austria with all of their senses and in a truly unique manner via digital technologies. The pavilion will send visitors on a journey made possible by the creative use of digitalisation and high-tech solutions made in Austria.
  The Austria pavilion is based on the motto “Austria makes sense”. This begins with the smart, sustainable architecture and extends to the innovative projects and products in the iLab that showcase the innovative prowess and economic capabilities of Austria. At the same time, the pavilion is a place for reflection where visitors are made more conscious of themselves and the environment.
What is there to eat?
- Culinary delicacies from Austria, particularly desserts – with coffee, of course – are a favourite not only in the Arab world but with visitors from all over the globe, and they share a special association with Austria. An upscale “Viennese coffee house” in the centre of the pavilion builds on the idea of dialogue and the exchange of ideas, inviting visitors to linger.
  
  The catering for the guests in our coffee house is provided by our gastronomy partner Austrian Delight.

What does iLab stand for?
- Our iLab is a place for in-depth discussion and reflection. The iLab stands for innovation, inspiration, information, ideas, interaction and more, To underpin the thematic variety, our iLab is used for temporary exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and even installations and experiments that provide a meaningful contribution to the high quality of Austria’s diversity. Here, research institutes, institutions, universities, and other organisations are offered an additional platform for presenting their ideas, innovations and solutions.
What does the pavilion offer to Austrian companies?
- A VIP area is available for Austrian companies and delegations to hold their own events, to exchange ideas with guests such as specialists, partners, and stakeholders in a relaxed atmosphere. The VIP area can be used in a variety of ways and offers a venue for receptions, information events, networking events, company presentations, concluding an incentive trip, and more. If you are interested, please contact our team at office@expoaustria.at.
Who came up with the idea for the pavilion?
- An interdisciplinary jury of experts recommended the project “Austria makes sense” under the direction of querkraft architekten.
  - General planners: querkraft architekten
  - Curatorial team: büro wien, Ars Electronica Solutions
  - Graphics: Bleed Vienna – Astrid Feldner + Marc Damm
  - Project management: Werner Consult ZT GmbH
  - Statics: Werkraum Wien – Peter Resch
  - Building physics: IPJ – Ingenieursbüro P.Jung – Peter Holzer
  - Green space: Green4Cities – Lisa Enzerhofer + Bernhard König
  - Model: Gerhard Stocker Modellwerkstatt
  - Visualisation: Patricia Bagienski
  - Landscape Design: Green4Cities GmbH + Kieran Fraser Landscape Design e.U.
  - Light design: Pokorny Lichtarchitektur