Serbia Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka / Aleatek Studio

The Serbian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka positions itself as a striking ambassador of sustainable and culture-infused design, combining technological foresight with emotional narrative. Designed by ALEATEK Studio, the pavilion manifests the concept of a "Floating Forest", referencing Belgrade's protected Ratno Ostrvo (Great War Island), and stands as the only Expo pavilion featuring a living façade, with over 95% of its materials being recyclable and 80% reusable in future constructions.

Buildings constructed primarily for decoration have not always been held in the highest esteem. Yet the folly, at least the kind designed with intention, has a rich history of enhancing garden grounds around the world. The folly in Solliveien stands in the middle of an elongated garden, adjacent to a large, old oak tree. It marks the transition from the everyday hustle and bustle surrounding the residential building at the eastern end of the plot to the tranquility of the pastoral western end. As such, the building also encapsulates a literal gate as part of its eastern wall. Stepping across the threshold leads you into a more serene setting.

Designed for self-sufficiency, the project integrates innovative green technologies while ensuring a deep connection to its natural surroundings. Guests can enjoy captivating views of Table Mountain and the bay, while carefully designed courtyards offer protection from the African sun and coastal winds. The hotel's design harmonizes interior and exterior spaces, enhancing the guest experience with seamless transitions.

The West Bund in Shanghai, a historic hub for transportation, logistics, and production, has undergone significant transformation over the past a few years. Following major urban renewal projects along the Huangpu River, the riverside spaces have become a vibrant destination for outdoor activities and cultural events, attracting both locals and visitors alike. BlueBottle Coffee, designed by atelier tao+c, is situated in a specific area of the West Bund that was once home to the Shanghai Cement Factory (1920-2009), with the east side overlooking a shipyard, a historical remnant of the former site. The design of the Blue Bottle Coffee is a thoughtful response to its surroundings, integrating the industrial past of the site with the present urban context.