UAE Pavilion Milan Expo 2015

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2015 in Milan was a€50 million project designed to showcase the country’s innovative approach to sustainability, food security, and energy. The pavilion’s striking design featured two 12-metre-high walls leading visitors through a winding, canyon-like entrance, evoking the natural landscapes of the United Arab Emirates. Inside, a series of interactive media cubes highlighted key global challenges under the Expo’s theme, “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.” At the heart of the pavilion, a golden drum auditorium featured a 180-degree projection and an immersive digital theatre experience, combining Musion foil, multi-layered projection, dynamic lighting, and real moving objects.

Fraser Randall was appointed from project inception to oversee the full project and cost management of the pavilion, from groundworks to completion. Managing contractors from the UK, China, Italy, and across Europe, Fraser Randall played a critical role in ensuring seamless coordination between multiple stakeholders. The team was on-site full-time from June 2014 until the pavilion’s opening in May 2015, ensuring efficient project execution and adherence to LEED principles. Following Expo 2015, the pavilion was carefully dismantled and reconstructed in Masdar, UAE, a carbon-neutral city.

Our Role

• Managed all aspects of project and cost management, overseeing the construction of the pavilion’s shell and core and exhibition fit-out.
• Coordinated international contractors and consultants to ensure smooth delivery across multiple countries and disciplines.
• Led the design, procurement, and implementation of the pavilion’s cutting-edge digital theatre and interactive media experiences.
• Ensured the pavilion could accommodate over 7,000 visitors per day, balancing visitor experience with operational efficiency.
• Applied LEED sustainability principles, overseeing the pavilion’s relocation to Masdar, UAE, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Completed in May 2015