QATAR PAVILION EXPO 2020

The Qatar Pavilion at EXPO 2020 Dubai, designed by Santiago Calatrava, featured a unique building envelope with insulated panels on walls and a standing seam roof system. The challenge arose in placing panels on the curved walls with an irregular pattern, leading to a curved pattern with chopped sides. Managing interfaces at wall corners, gutters, and roofs, while addressing engineering concerns for flashings and weatherproofing, required meticulous attention. Computational algorithmic design automated processes, generating cutting lists for manufacturers. With a fast-paced project timeline, partial façades were issued to expedite on-site installation, setting parameters for fabrication and installation under specific design phases.   About the project

• Designed by Santiago Calatrava
• Unique shape with curved walls and standing seam roof.

  Scope and challenges:

• Insulated panels on walls and cladding on both roof and walls
• Laying down panels on curved wall with irregular pattern
• Interfaces of wall corners, gutter, and roof
• Flashings termination and weatherproofing details
• Structural capability of substructure installed on panels and roof.
• Fast-paced project required partial façade releases.

  General facts and achievements:

• Custom design and fabrication of panels
• Detailed engineering of flashings and weatherproofing
• Careful installation of substructure
• Computational algorithmic design used to automate cutting list generation.
• Parameters set to mark issued-for-fabrication and installed facades.
• Roof modeling of complete system including standing seam, halters, top-hats, insulation, decking, and gutters.
• Wall panel modeling of insulated wall panel with metal flashing and joints connection.