Al Wasl Plaza
An open space at the center of Expo 2020 Dubai combines breathtaking design, innovative technology, and an intricate domed trellis to incorporate an immersive projection experience. The plaza at the center of the 4.38-square kilometre site will make a dramatic impression on the millions of people visiting Dubai from around the world.
Al Wasl Plaza is being designed as a central hub for the exposition. The space will bring people of all backgrounds together to “Connect Minds,” a key ambition of the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. Al Wasl is the historical name for Dubai but also means “connection” in Arabic, reflecting both Dubai’s goal of bringing people together at the Expo and the plaza’s physical location at the heart of the site.
The Trellis structure is infilled with fabric panels, allowing air and sound to move freely, while shielding visitors from the intense sun. The fabric doubles as a massive projection surface, with projectors and loudspeakers surrounding the audience, creating an immersive environment for both atmospheric and special event use. Sound control within the buildings and the separation of noisy below-grade circulation from the Plaza, provide a pleasing acoustic environment for all experiencing this dense site. The audio system design features multiple line source and subwoofer arrays around the perimeter of the trellis, providing full-range, high fidelity audio playback support to the projection system. Through thoughtful sound control measures, and impactful audio design, Threshold is creating a one-of-a-kind performance experience, helping Expo 2020 and the United Arab Emirates in their mission of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.”
Read more about the project in the Architects Newspaper (October 2020)
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Owner
Expo Dubai 2020, LLC
Team
AV - Threshold
Architect - Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture
Projection Design - Obscura Digital
Size
130-meter diameter dome
65-meters tall
Schedule
Substantial Completion 2020. Grand Opening 2021 due to COVID-19.