Expo Osaka 2025 opened on Sunday 13th April 2025 and dpa were delighted to have worked on the USA Pavilion’s exterior architectural lighting design alongside Alchemy, ES Global, and Trahan Architects.

The iconic USA Pavilion celebrates the best of contemporary American architecture and spirit, culture and innovation, and is inspired by historic Japanese architecture and ancient footbridges.

Located prominently within the Expo’s Grand Ring, the pavilion sits halfway between the Forest of Tranquility and the East Gate Entrance Plaza, serving as a visual gateway for all visitors.  Open, grand yet minimalistic, the pavilion is inspired by natural and urban canyons. Two triangular buildings create a central plaza and serve as expansive wings with LED screens depicting iconic and dynamic images of American landmarks and landscapes.

The plaza arches gently, travelling beneath the instantly recognisable central ‘floating’ translucent cube, creating a unique visitor journey through the space. From east to west, the plaza narrows to a convergence point, creating a sense of calmness within a garden of serenity.

Design-Build Contractor / Client: ES Global
Design Integrators: Alchemy
Pavilion Design: Trahan Architects
Exhibition Media & Design: BRC Imagination Arts
Engineer of Record: Meinhardt / E&M Consulting Engineers Inc
Landscape Concept Design: Hood Design
Concept Lighting: Dot Dash
Signage & Wayfinding: Studio Loutsis
Façade: True Staging
Photography: © Hufton+Crow (4th image taken by dpa)