RIMOND was appointed as the design, build, exhibition, maintenance, and demolition contractor for the Portugal Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. Commissioned by AICEP, the Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency, the pavilion was designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
Occupying a 1,837-square-meter plot, the pavilion embodies the theme “Ocean: The Blue Dialogue,” reflecting Portugal’s deep-rooted connection to the sea. The main building houses two exhibition spaces, a restaurant, an open-air shop, a protocol lounge, and a multipurpose room. Notably, the roof of the multipurpose room doubles as a stage visible from the front of the pavilion, hosting various cultural events.
A distinctive secondary structure surrounds the main building, composed of thousands of suspended ropes and recycled fishing nets. This kinetic facade simulates ocean waves, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that evokes Portugal’s maritime identity.
Construction commenced in August 2024 and was completed by the end of March 2025 an eight-month delivery under a tightly compressed schedule.
To meet this timeline, the steel structure was fabricated in South Korea, while ropes were sourced from China. Portuguese materials such as cork and windows were incorporated to express national identity within the Japanese context. Additional supplies were coordinated from Vietnam, demonstrating a globally integrated procurement strategy. The pavilion also includes a modular office unit, carefully clad to blend seamlessly with the architectural language of the main structure.
The pavilion’s interior features sustainable materials such as cork, burel, and wicker, in line with circular economy principles. RIMOND was also responsible for the exhibition design and the full audio-visual engineering and integration, delivering an immersive visitor experience through cohesive design and technology coordination. The exhibition is divided into two sections: one showcasing Portugal’s maritime heritage and cultural ties with Japan, and the other addressing contemporary environmental challenges and sustainable ocean stewardship.
