From Heidi to high-tech: Switzerland set to inspire at World Expo 2025

With the theme ​“Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, Expo 2025 Osaka is focusing on global sustainability and innovation. One highlight will be the Swiss Pavilion, designed by Manuel Herz Architects.

World Expos have a long history stretching from the first Great Exhibition of 1851 in London’s Crystal Palace to the modern platform for global cooperation. Originally intended to showcase industrial innovations from the steam engine to the telephone, the exhibitions underwent a transformation after 1945 – first becoming forums for cultural exchange and, in the 21st century, laboratories for a sustainable future.

Opening on 13 April 2025, visitors to Osaka can look forward to futuristic technology such as flying cars, culinary specialities, artistic performances and solutions to global challenges from 160 countries, as well as an opportunity to actively shape future scenarios in the People’s Living Lab. There is also a focus on sustainable architectural solutions and pavilions made of recyclable ETFE membranes. Students at the Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT) are currently researching whether these can be transformed into furniture after the Expo ends on 13 October.

Architecture, scenography and technology

The structure of the Swiss Pavilion consists of four interconnected lightweight domes. The plants on the facade – locally grown and CO₂ sequestering – are intended to symbolise environmental responsibility. The pavilion is divided into thematic areas: Augmented Human (robotics, AI), Life (health, education) and Planet (climate, energy), accompanied by interactive exhibitions. Manuel Herz Architects, Nüssli and Bellprat Partner won the competition to design this project together.

The character Heidi is something of a cultural bridge, an ambassador that strengthens ties between Switzerland and Japan. Airing for the first time on 6 January 1974, Heidi, Girl of the Alps, is an animated adaptation of Johanna Spyri’s classic novel produced by Zuiyo Enterprise. Fifty-one years later, visitors will be taken on an immersive and interactive journey through collaborative innovation. ​‘From Heidi to High-Tech’ will showcase Switzerland’s evolution from its iconic Alpine heritage to a globally recognised hub of cutting-edge technology.

Light, innovative and forward-looking – words that describe a visit to the Swiss Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025.

Question time with Manuel Herz Architects

Using lightweight construction as a statement: the pavilion shell weighs just 400 kg and is made of recyclable film. How does this extreme lightness reflect Switzerland’s culture of innovation?

It is not only about the lightweight shell. The pavilion’s spherical construction as a whole embodies and symbolises Switzerland’s innovative research culture. On the one hand, because instead of traditional construction methods such as concrete, brickwork, etc., we use a modular and reusable construction that requires technical expertise. On the other hand, it is the design language itself that makes us think of research and scientific institutions. The lightness of the shell emphasises this. It allows us to minimise the use of materials and achieve a high level of efficiency. These are values that also represent Switzerland to a certain extent.

The ETFE film shell is stabilised by air pressure – were there any technical challenges?

It is sometimes surprising to learn that the components that seem the most challenging can be used relatively easily. And those that you expect to be routine turn out to be more complex. We were ultimately successful in implementing the spherical construction because of the careful planning undertaken by the engineers, Nüssli and ourselves. The bigger challenges were the differences between the European and Japanese planning cultures and details surrounding the country-specific approval of materials. That doesn’t sound too exciting, but it took a lot of effort. But overall, building in Japan is a fantastic experience. The precision and reliability are extremely impressive.

Does the design integrate environmental aspects into the structural planning?

Sustainability is very complex. We are trying to practice and demonstrate sustainability in a variety of ways. For example, we are working with KIT to scientifically analyse the ecological footprint of the building. The lightweight and modular construction is another aspect of sustainability. And finally, there is the inclusion of flora, which we developed with landscape architect Robin Winogrond. For us, the combination of spheres and plants also shows how scientific innovation – symbolised by the spheres – and the wonders of nature – symbolised by the plants – are mutually dependent and interwoven in Switzerland.

But it is also important to understand that an Expo pavilion will always be a means of demonstration. We want to use the pavilion’s architecture to show and present methods and materials. The impact that our pavilion has – in terms of inspiring ideas and discussion around future construction ­– can sometimes be more important.

The exhibition focuses on ​‘Life’, ​‘Planet’ and ​‘Augmented Human’. How does this thematic structure translate into the spatial experience for visitors?

The themes were carefully selected based on a survey conducted in both Japan and Switzerland that included public and private stakeholders. The survey examined areas in which Switzerland excels and that are highly relevant to the Japanese public. These results were used to identify the three most compelling themes and these were then approved by parliament. These themes are mainly reflected in the event programme and in Sphere 3, where Swiss innovations are presented. In terms of the spatial experience of visitors, the pavilion has been designed in a way that immerses people in these themes through interactive and engaging exhibits.

And after the Expo?

Recyclability is very important to us. We are currently still in the process of determining what the ​‘second life’ of the pavilion will look like, i.e., whether individual components and materials will be recycled or whether the entire pavilion can be reused or repurposed at a different location. Construction has been planned together with the general contractor Nüssli in such a way that it can be relatively easily dismantled and reassembled elsewhere. During the planning phase, we also worked with students and teachers from the Kyoto Institute of Technology to develop designs and proposals to recycle components such as the film as furniture. This illustrates how reuse and further use are an integral part of the design, and not just an afterthought.

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Expo 2025 | 13 April 2025 – 13 October 2025

Expo 2025 Osaka will take place from 13 April to 13 October 2025 on the artificial island of Yumeshima. The theme of the world’s fair is ​“Designing Future Society for Our Lives”. It is dedicated to the challenges of a globalised society with a focus on sustainability, health and technological innovation. Over 160 countries and international organisations will present solutions for the sub-themes Saving Lives (resource management), Empowering Lives (individual development) and Connecting Lives (global networking). The centrepiece is the Expo Ring – a 630-metre-long wooden structure and sustainable meeting zone. With 28 million visitors expected, the Expo is banking on carbon-neutral energy supply and recyclable materials to create a model for sustainable major events.

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