Organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and designed by Mukhtar Enterprise Studio for Architecture, the award-winning Pakistan Pavilion at Expo Astana 2017 was a true work of eco-friendly art. Pico provided fit-out service for the 407 sq. m. pavilion, helping realise the theme – ‘Nurturing the Past for a Sustainable Future’.
But it was the Pavilion’s respect for and celebration of the environment which took centre stage. Approximately 90 per cent of the Pavilion was made from renewable, recyclable and sustainable materials. Its roof was made of bamboo; and cane, bamboo, earth, clay and lime were present throughout the interior – highlighting how these materials and forms are suitable for contemporary construction and are both environmentally beneficial and ecologically advantageous.
Textiles and camel skin were also used to create the façade of the Pavilion, depicting how – following Pakistani tradition – a roof can become a cooling device in a warm climate by compensating for the air flow.