Structure and construction

The pavilion is a pneumatic construction in which the building envelope is designed as a hollow chamber and is supported by a steel structure. The hollow chamber structure of the outer shell has the advantage that the pneumatic pressure is only generated within the building shell, so no airlocks are required between the exterior and interior. The inner and outer skin of the envelope can be colored differently, so that a darkened interior is created despite the light appearance on the outside. The exterior of the pneumatic shell is made of ETFE, a Teflon-like polymeric plastic that is fully recyclable and has a low weight per area. The supporting structure consists of spans that are bolted together at the intersections to prevent bending.

Circulation and scenography

Light as light: Lightness also plays an important role in scenography. Light and color are therefore used as a means of staging. The spectral colors of the light highlight the essences of the respective space and thus ensure a continuous narrative thread without words. In the "Spheres of Swiss Innovation", visitors not only learn and experience what it takes to make innovation possible in Switzerland (nutrients and magic), they can also co-create a "Future Society" with researchers, universities and other participants and test the thesis on the basis of implemented examples on site (Living Lab). Swiss innovations are offered to-go in the shop and in the highest "Sphere" of the pavilion: In the roof-top bar Heidi invites you to exchange ideas, enjoy and linger in her innovative bar offering a breathtaking view of the bay of Osaka.