Al Wasl Plaza – the beating heart of Expo 2020
EXPO 2020 DUBAI
Al Wasl Plaza – the beating heart of Expo 2020
Al Wasl Plaza ’ s towering dome looks set to be the iconic structure of Expo 2020 Dubai . This translucent dome will act as an immersive 360-degree projection surface , allowing projections to be visible for visitors both inside and outside it .
The moulded steel dome is 130 metres wide , 67.5 metres tall and weighs more than 500 tonnes . It is topped by domed trellis that was inspired by the shape of the Expo logo . The trellis design was inspired by an ancient gold ring found in the Saruq Al Hadid archaeological site . The name Al Wasl means ‘ the connection ’ in Arabic – it is also the old name of Dubai , and hence , Al Wasl Plaza has been designed to serve as the core of the entire Expo 2020 site .
Al Wasl Plaza will connect the three Thematic Districts – Opportunity , Mobility and Sustainability – as well as the other main concourses , including the Expo 2020 Metro station link and the UAE Pavilion .
The iconic dome has been designed by US-based firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture . Taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa , it is one of the largest single structures that will remain after the World Expo ends and will take centre stage in the legacy community of District 2020 .
30 October 2021