Osaka: Kuwait’s pavilion at the 2025 Expo in Osaka presents a captivating narrative of heritage and future aspirations, according to Dr. Emad Al-Qattan, a technical team member at the expo. The pavilion, named Visionary Lighthouse, is designed to offer an immersive journey through Kuwait’s past, present, and future, with its base level depicting heritage and tradition, and its upper level showcasing future aspirations.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Dr. Al-Qattan, who is also a professor at Kuwait University’s Architecture Faculty, highlighted that the area where the two levels meet is known as “the pearl,” a tribute to the significant role of the pearl diving industry in Kuwait’s economy and its seafaring history. Each space within the pavilion tells a different story through interactive technologies and Artificial Intelligence, offering visitors a multifaceted experience.
The pavilion features various areas, including gardens, a VIP hall, galleries, and a restaurant that blends Kuwaiti and Japanese cuis
ines. Its design draws inspiration from Kuwaiti architectural styles, incorporating elements like the “Al-Housh” courtyard and the “Diwaniya” social gathering area. The pavilion’s waved design symbolizes both desert and sea environments, with the exterior and interior reflecting sand dunes and sea waves, enhancing the visitor experience.
Dr. Al-Qattan explained that the desert environment is integral to Kuwaiti identity, illustrating the resilience and innovation of the Kuwaiti people. The pavilion’s color scheme uses sandy and earthy tones to depict heritage, while paler tones in the upper sections allow for dynamic light reflections. The roof design filters natural light into the Al-Housh area while providing shade.
The Expo’s theme, “designing future society for our lives,” aligns with the Kuwaiti pavilion’s subtheme of “empowering lives.” The lighthouse symbolizes empowerment, embodying Kuwait’s role in illuminating the path forward. Visitors will have aerial views of the pavilion, described as a beacon
lighting the way.
Dr. Al-Qattan noted Kuwait’s participation in Expo 2025 marks 55 years since its involvement in Osaka’s 1970 Expo, reflecting the deep diplomatic relations between Kuwait and Japan. Expos have evolved from showcasing inventions to displaying development and innovation. The 2025 Expo, running from April to October, will be held on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay, covering 3,500 square meters.