The Palestine Pavilion invites on a multi-sensory journey through different aspects of the country by isolating one sense at a time.
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Sensory Journey consists of 6 stations:
See Palestine
Hear Palestine
Touch Palestine
Smell Palestine
Taste Palestine
Perceive Palestine
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Expo 2020 Dubai – Palestine Pavilion – Opportunity District
Bronze Award – Category: Exhibition Design – Self-built pavilions XS/S
Client: 3AM.DIGITAL | Expo 2020
Architect: Al Nasher
Consultant: WWF
Main Contractor: ASI-AE
Co-designer: arch. Maria Wójcik
Video: Maciej Magowski
Atrium
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The main Atrium feature is an organic, suspended structure inspired by Palestinian gauze fabrics. It corresponds with the zone shapes gradually, harmonizing the space and serving as a canvas for projections and special lighting effects.
On the ground level, visitors can experience Palestine in many ways – like food and beverage, retail shops and further interactive displays.
Retail Shop
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Main Visitor Experience – Entrance
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The arched entrance is intended to provide a sense of arrival in Jerusalem, the capital of Palestine.
The shape of the traditional arch is simplified, showing a modern version of an iconic architectural piece. Arches shape up the interior enclosed with a series of curved, printed glass panels presenting a multi-layered sketch of Jerusalem.
Space is filled with lit-up large scale prints, showing the streets of Jerusalem market.
Elevator
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Guests are guided through the market to reach a small room, being a disguised elevator. Inside, there is a video wall offering a lively view of the marketplace inside the Bab Al Amud Gate. During the experience, the camera perspective changes simultaneously with the elevator rise, showing drone footage of the city. After reaching the rooftops of Jerusalem, visitors enter the first Sensory Station – See Palestine.
See Palestine
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The audience exits the elevator and approaches a low stone wall to watch the panoramic video of Jerusalem spread in front of them on the curved wall. Having already risen to this high place, the audience feels as if they are on a stone tower overlooking the city. Images and views of Palestine unfold as the digital falcon guides them through the town and beyond, flying over, through and around its sights.
Once the projection is over, floor lights guide the way to the next zone.
Hear Palestine
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In this station, the visitor recognizes different sounds related to Palestinian culture, poetry, music and nature.
Space consists of a tunnel and semi-circular space, both darkened to focus on the sense of hearing. It is filled with various soundscapes. Once a sound appears, projected lines start to sketch the current theme on the walls, helping to understand it. Visitors can hear fishermen singing, as they cast their nets – and the visual clue is the light line painting a minimalist image of a fisherman. Each light image unfolds a different story, hinting and confirming what the audience is listening to – each an insight into Palestine.
Touch Palestine
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Multiple plinths are placed around the space, displaying different objects for visitors to touch and examine from up close.
In each cylinder, there are two holes with elasticated sleeves and another object hidden inside. Guests are encouraged to reach in and feel the item inside to guess what they are feeling – is it ceramics, carved wood or jewellery. Tablets placed in front of each plinth help to choose the correct answer and share more information about the object and its significance in Palestinian culture.
Smell Palestine
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Placed along the curved wall is an array of perfume containers – each a different scent station. They can be activated through a tablet in front of them – then a tiny pulse of scent is released. Visitors can enjoy the smell of certain products specific to Palestine – like local spices, herbs or traditional oils.
Taste Palestine
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Visitors are invited to sit by the big projection table in the centre of the space. It has rigid elements mounted on – such as plates and cooking books. Once the experience starts, the whole table is projected with local patterns, food and Palestinian treats. It becomes a beautiful living piece, filled with the richness of local cuisine. The audience can experience food preparation process and learn about the local dishes from the books of recipes, feeling welcomed at the Palestinian table.
Concept Visuals
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Perceive Palestine
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The outcome of all stations – Perceive Palestine – invites to experience the country virtually by using VR headsets.
There are 6 VR pods located around the space, each with an integrated screen in the front section and a seat allowing safe stay within the zone. Each station offers an immersive glimpse into the country of Palestine, rounding off visitors’ perception of the place and its people after already exploring it through their senses.
Concept Visuals
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