As preparations for Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, the “Grand Ring” designed by renowned architect Sou Fujimoto has reached an important milestone. As of August 2024, the wooden construction of this structure has been completed, fully connecting the 2-kilometer-long ring into a continuous loop. This achievement is a crucial step in the development of the Expo site on Yumeshima, an artificial island off the coast of Osaka, where Expo will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025.
The “Great Ring” is intended to embody the Expo’s theme of “Designing the Future Society for Our Lives” and symbolizes the philosophy of “Diversity in Unity”. This massive wooden structure, which covers a horizontal projection area of about 60,000 square meters, is one of the world’s largest wooden structures. With an inner diameter of 615 meters and an outer diameter of 675 meters, the ring is 30 meters wide and 12 meters high, 20 meters at its highest point. The design combines traditional Japanese wood construction techniques such as nuki (Penetration) joints, using modern engineering methods.
The completion of the ‘Grand Ring’ is a key element of the broader master plan for Expo 2025, designed by Sou Foujimoto Architects during the COVID-19 pandemic to address global challenges through sustainability, innovation and international cooperation. The master plan structure of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is divided into three equal-sized zones, each reflecting one of the event’s sub-themes: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives and Connecting Lives.
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Saving Lives focuses on public health, disaster preparedness and environmental harmony. Empowering Lives aims to improve quality of life and human potential through education, health initiatives and technologies such as AI and robotics. Connecting Lives focuses on building communities, fostering partnerships and leveraging advanced communications and data-driven solutions. Together, these zones embody Expo’s commitment to tackling global challenges and promoting harmony between people and the environment.
Functionally, the ring serves as the main access route for visitors and provides a sheltered space protected from the elements. The ring’s elevated skywalk offers views of the entire Expo site, the Seto Inland Sea, and the Osaka cityscape, while the roof will be planted with greenery, further integrating the structure into its natural surroundings.
The 1.55 square kilometer Expo site on Yumeshima is strategically designed to combine urban and natural environments. The central pavilion area is surrounded by water to the south and green spaces to the west, reflecting Expo’s commitment to harmonizing human activities with nature. Looking ahead to Expo 2025, the “Great Ring” stands as a symbol of the event’s goals – unity, innovation and deep respect for life in all its forms. This architectural wonder invites visitors from around the world to engage with and contribute to creating a sustainable and prosperous future.
As preparations for Expo 2025 in Osaka continue, many country pavilions have recently unveiled their designs. The Kingdom of the Netherlands recently unveiled its motto: “Common Ground: Building a New Tomorrow Together”, highlighting the country’s commitment to fostering mutual understanding to address global challenges. Likewise, Luxembourg-based STDM architectes urbanistes, in collaboration with Japanese firm MIKAN, recently won the competition to design the Luxembourg pavilion at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka with its concept “Doki-Doki – The Luxembourg Heartbeat”. And finally, Switzerland recently unveiled the pavilion design by Manuel Herz Architekten, NÜSSLI and Bellprat Partner.
We invite you to check out ArchDaily’s comprehensive coverage of Expo Osaka 2025.
