As I am preparing to attend what is certainly the most anticipated architecture event of the year, Expo 2025 Osaka, I invited New Orleans architect Trey Trahan who created the American Pavilion as my guest in the podcast Designing the 21st Century.
The World Expo events, also known as World Fairs, have always showcased the most cutting-edge inventions of their time. Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 Paris Expo, and the Seattle Space Needle, for the 1962 Expo. It is where architecture is experimental, where it is shown at its best, where narrative and symbolism have been expressed in the built form.
Expo Osaka has a particularly glorious legacy. In 1970, it was the first world fair held in Asia, featuring some of the most futuristic and visionary architectural expressions of their time. It was remembered by so many icons, including Isamu Noguchi’s series of floating fountains. Expo 2025 Osaka is no less exciting. The American Pavilion comes to enable visitors to experience the American spirit. The innovation, culture, and industry of the country, as well as contemporary themes of sustainability, space exploration, education, all shine a light on what makes the American experience so special and wonderful.
All images curtesy Hufton + Crow.
