GCC PAVILION
HORTICULTURAL EXPO 2023 DOHA

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