Czech Pavilion EXPO 2025
Designed by Apropos Architects, the Czech Pavilion for EXPO 2025 Osaka emerges as a semi-transparent, dynamic structure, where the spiral serves as the core architectural motif. The pavilion is conceived as a living installation—one that allows visitors to engage in a subtle interplay with the surrounding environment, both by day and by night. Rooted in the concepts of life energy and sustainable development, the design invites visitors to ascend gradually along a spiraling walkway that encircles the building’s four levels. This journey, both physical and symbolic, reflects the evolution of the individual, the shifts in culture, and the passage of time. Upon reaching the rooftop observation deck, visitors can gaze down through a glass oculus embedded in the floor, revealing the full expanse of the interior, while the tranquil seascape unfolds in the distance.
The pavilion rises to a height of 16 meters and is structurally divided into 36 geometric segments. Its load-bearing system is composed of cross-laminated spruce (CLT) panels, which support the transformation of the structure from a circular footprint at the base to an elliptical form at its peak. This subtle shift in geometry lends the pavilion a sculptural presence—its silhouette, when viewed from afar, reminiscent of an inverted tiered cake. The façade combines anodized aluminum framing with sandblasted glass, crafted in homage to the Czech Republic’s rich glassmaking traditions. The semi-translucent skin allows the pavilion to take on distinct personalities, shifting with the light between day and night. Through this, Apropos Architects harmoniously fuses traditional craftsmanship with contemporary engineering.
At the heart of the pavilion lies a 12-meter-high multifunctional hall, measuring approximately 15.5 meters in diameter, designed to host cultural performances, lectures, and public gatherings. Thoughtfully integrated within the central structure are elevators and dual staircases, facilitating the seamless flow of visitors while delineating the spatial programs of exhibition and performance. These two distinct yet interwoven zones are linked across multiple levels, allowing for flexible spatial configurations and adaptive use. As visitors follow the spiraling path, they are free to navigate between these spaces, their movement fluid and uninterrupted. Here, time seems to wind and weave through layered volumes, quietly echoing the boundless possibilities of life itself.
The pavilion also serves as a vibrant canvas for internationally renowned Czech artists. The exhibition opens with a monumental crystal sculpture by Rony Plesl, followed by an evocative 200-meter-long mural by Jakub Matuška aka Masker, which wraps around the spiraling walkway, narrating a visual epic of human endeavor. A multimedia installation by Lunchmeat Studio interconnects the entire space, enriching the sensory experience. Further highlights include Lasvit’s exquisite glass work, Herbarium, and a bronze sculpture by Alfons Mucha, bridging the historical with the contemporary. Within the pavilion’s ascending spiral, visitors embark on a journey of sight, sensation, and introspection—one that inspires reflection on the infinite realms of life and creation.
Architects | Michal Gabaš, Tomáš Beránek, Nikoleta Slováková [Apropos Architects] + Tereza Šváchová
Design Team | Kryštof Jireš, Magdalena Havlová, Jana Watersová, Laura Lukáčová, Eva Gabaš Rosenová, Miroslav Slezák, Natálie Poláková, Alexandra Mishchenko [Apropos Architects]
Project Location | Osaka, Japan
Ground Coverage Area | 621 m²
Gross Floor Area | 2121 m²
Usable Floor Area | 1623 m²
Site Area | 996 m²
Client | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Office of the General Commissioner of EXPO
Visual Communication, Competition Exhibition Concept and Visual Identity | Lunchmeat Studio
Structural Engineer / General Design Concept | Lukáš Krbec
Coordination of Professions / MEP | Robert Prix
Partner Office in Japan | frontoffice tokyo, Frank la Riviere
Structural Engineer [Japan] | Haruhide Kusumoto
General Contractor | Daisue Construction
CLT Load-bearing Structure Contractor | A2 Timber
Façade System Contractor | Wieden
Artistic Façade Glass Contractor | Kolektiv Ateliers
Sheet Glass Contractor | AGC Flat Glass Czech
Art Installations | Rony Plesl, Jakub Matuška aka Masker, Lucie Drdová, Lunchmeat Studio
