Simmetrico developed, designed, built and managed the architectural and scenographic project for the Pavilion of The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) at the International Horticultural Exhibition Expo 2023 in Doha, Qatar.
The pavilion revolved around the characteristic elements of the region: desert and oasis. Water is a life-giving element, and the oasis, a symbol of unexpected beauty, served as the starting point and inspiration for the architecture that aimed to be a cultural reference, a manifesto of resilience, innovation, and sustainability.
The outdoor fountain, where six water sources converged toward a single center, created a continuous water flow that surrounded a sphere, symbolising the cohesion of the identity of the six member states of the GCC. The exhibition space on the first floor, organized in three areas, shared the challenges of climate change with innovative solutions for a better environment and life.
Featuring a bespoke 20 square meter LED display with a 1.2 mm pixel pitch, this cutting-edge technology enhanced our storytelling, making the experience visually immersive for all visitors. We created additional customised installations including a kaleidoscope, multi-axis edutainment maze and holographic-propeller displays.
Through this design, we sparked a dialogue on climate adaptation, showcasing how collaboration and innovative thinking can lead us toward a more sustainable and harmonious future.
CREDITS
Client: The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf
Project: The GCC Pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha
Main Contractor – Design and Build: Simmetrico
GCC TEAM
Commissioner General: Khalid Alsheikh
Head of PMO team: Hanouf Alsubaye
Head of Design team: Nasser Alsanad
Head of Content team: Waleed F. Alhumoud
Head of Operation team: Hussam I. Almuqhim
PMO team: Nada Almajhad
SIMMETRICO TEAM
Chief Creative Officer: Daniele Zambelli
Head of Project: Francesca Tirotti
Head of Architectural Team: Francesco Giordano
Tender Project Manager and Contract Negotiations: Phillip Labib
Exhibition Project Manager: Giulia Guarisco
Architectural Project Manager: Nancy Helou
Experience Design Coordinator: Devis Gobbi
Content Director: Celeste Sergianno
Content Manager: Karl Ali Karam
Senior Art Director: Eleonora Valsecchi
Graphic Designer: Riccardo Zampieri, Nicola Neri, and Zia Ul Haq
Exhibition Designers: Nancy Helou and Fabio Tasca
CAD Draftman: Akram Sheriff
Bilingual Copywriter: May El Dahan
AVL Technical Director: Filippo Nepote Andrè
Head of Video Production: Nicola Rossi
Logistic Manager: Matteo Paparella
ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT
Concept Design: Simmetrico Architettura Srl and Simmetrico Operations DWC-LLC
Final Design: Simmetrico Architettura Srl, Simmetrico Operations DWC-LLC and Ideas Srl
Construction Management: Simmetrico Operations DWC-LLC
MEP Drawings: BluePrint Qatar
Landscape Designer: Luca Boursier
Grade A: SEG – Smart Engineering Group
CONSTRUCTIONS SUPPLIERS
Local Construction Company: BluePrint Qatar
Head of Project: Roger Lteif
Project Management and Site Supervision: Kabalan Dahdah and Mohammed Ashraf
Landscaping Supplier: Frangieh and Associates W.L.L. (FAA)
Special Water Features Consultant: WaterCube Srl
Special Water Features Supplier: Frangieh and Associates W.L.L. (FAA)
Timelapse video recording: TimeLapse Middle East DMCC
EXHIBITION SUPPLIERS
Set up supplier: Eventum Exhibitions LLC
AVL supplier: Unitech Digital Media Srl
Sound Design: With Feeling Production Services LLC (Chris Atkins and Joe Dickinson)
Sound Engineer: Davide Bonotto Srl
Architectural Lighting Design: Luxive Srl
Exhibition Lighting Programming: SNAP Live Theatrical Show Production LLC
Software and Video Engineering: Videosoft Srl
Video editing, visual effects and postproduction: Bonsaininja Srl
AVL installation and technological electrical systems: Armonica Srl
Edutainment table design: Dadomani Srl
Photo and Video shooting coverage: Corners Hub LLC
