Working with Pico, a global leader in total brand activation, McLaren Construction will build the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The design was conceived by UK artist and designer, Es Devlin OBE and will be produced by global brand experience agency, Avantgarde.
Building on the UK’s exceptional track record for participation in World Expo’s, the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is themed “Innovating for a Shared Future” will showcase the UK as a global hub of innovation providing solutions for the future. Located in the ‘Opportunity’ district, the UK Pavilion will enable people worldwide to contribute a word to a collective global message, which will appear on the front façade, generated by artificial intelligence and visitors’ contributions.
The centrepiece of the UK Pavilion is a 20-metre-high, cone-shaped structure made up of rows of protruding slats that extend outwards from one central point to form a circular facade. The building will feature cross-laminated timber on a concrete structure, with much of the Pavilion manufactured and assembled off site in order to maximise quality and safety standards.
The build will support the Expo 2020 Dubai objectives to create a low-carbon economy, using local suppliers and materials wherever possible and employing sustainable construction methods.
Decommissioning is just as important as construction in this context. Sustainable solutions will ensure that maximum waste is diverted from landfill.
Worker welfare is a long-standing priority for McLaren. It will bring its award-winning worker welfare measures to the project, meeting the requirements of the UK Modern Slavery Act as a minimum, which exceeds local legislation. Expo 2020 Dubai are also pioneering a new Worker Welfare standard across the site, demonstrating a commitment to improving the working and health and safety standards afforded to all its workers.
This scheme was launched by HE Reem Al Hashimy and her ambition is to use Expo 2020 Dubai as a vehicle to drive an increase in worker welfare standards across the UAE. The UK’s Health and Safety Executive have been working with Expo 2020 Dubai in order to support this activity.
Kevin Taylor, McLaren Chairman, said,
“McLaren has built its reputation in the region on successful delivery of complex, high-profile projects for discerning customers. Being asked to build the UK Pavilion is testament to our ability to bring to life some exceptional buildings. We are proud to represent both the UK and Dubai with this exciting project.”
“We are thrilled to have been chosen alongside McLaren by the Department of International Trade as the official construction partner. Together, we will deliver the unique and exciting UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. This will be Pico’s eleventh World Expo since 1986 and through our experience and dedication, we look forward to welcoming visitors to the UK Pavilion at this significant global event,”
said Peter Sng, Regional Managing Director
International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox said:
“As the first major international moment after we leave the EU, Expo 2020 Dubai will mark the UK becoming a truly independent trading nation.
The Expo provides a global platform to showcase our ambition for the future, and our participation provides excellent opportunities for UK businesses that have already won major contracts.
I am delighted that our newly appointed construction partners Pico and McLaren will be working with our design team to bring the best of British creativity, innovation and expertise to the world.”
