Thematic Pavilion Expo 2012

The Thematic Pavilion was one of the major buildings for the Expo 2012 happening in Yeosu (Korea). The building comprises two main facades illustrating the theme of the expo “The living ocean and coast” very well. The waterfront façade is designed in reference to pebbles whereas the kinetic façade with the main entrance facing the expo area symbolizes the gills of a fish. More than 100 individual moveable louvers can be set to respond to changing sunlight conditions. The façade can also perform according to a predefined choreography or react to individual events.

The louvers are made of glass-fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP), which is both strong and flexible. They have one stiff and one thin edge, actuators located at the top and bottom do provide the capability of asymmetrical bending to allow light to radiate in and out of the building as well as afford views both ways. LEDs illuminate the façade during the night, to emphasize its kinetic character.