We traveled to Japan to photograph the UAE Pavilion — but what quietly shifted our focus was something deeper: Japan’s philosophy behind the Expo. It wasn’t just a global showcase — it felt like an exhibition for the people, by the people.
Amid summer heat and rain, some pavilions offered more than spectacle. They offered care — spaces of pause and humility. Sou Fujimoto’s Grand Ring wasn’t just iconic; it was essential. A quiet structure built not to impress, but to hold people gently in its rhythm.
What began as a single assignment became a visual reflection. We felt drawn to stop, to observe, to document moments of generosity within the architecture.
Some pavilions couldn’t be walked past. Their design was so humane, so present, they asked not just to be recorded — but felt.
In the end, Japan wasn’t just a location. It was a reminder of intention, restraint, and human-centered design.
Grand Ring – Sou Fujimoto
Qatar Pavilion – Kengo Kuma & Associates
Bahrain Pavilion – Lina Ghotmeh Architecture
Portugal Pavilion – Kengo Kuma & Associates
Oman Pavilion – Studio Kiyumi
