Besix Group, a leading Belgian group with a major presence in the Middle East, has announced that it has completed the construction of the French Pavilion for the Dubai World Expo 2020 and handed it over the authorities.

Designed by the architectural firms Atelier Perez Prado and Celnikier & Grabli Architects and the design office OTE Ingénierie on the specific theme of “Lumière, Lumières” (“Light, Lights”), the French Pavilion reflects the commitment of the French Republic to play a key role in the global ecological transition.

The French Pavilion exemplifies the principles of bioclimatic architecture. This is reflected, for example, in the choice of materials and a focus on the circular economy, considerably limiting the building’s carbon footprint. One of the highlights of the pavilion is its ability to be dismantled and reused.

The building will also be virtually self-sufficient in energy during the six months of the World Expo, combining low energy equipment with renewable energy, produced by the 2,500 sq m of solar panels integrated into its façade.

For the construction of the building, Besix France, as leader of the consortium for the design and execution, was able to count on the services of Six Construct, Besix Group’s Middle East subsidiary. The synergy between the teams in Paris and Dubai was a key factor in the success of the project.

CEO Rik Vandenberghe said: “Besix is extremely proud to have contributed to the construction of the French Pavilion, a stunning building, both architecturally and environmentally. It will be a major landmark at the Dubai World Expo.”

The philosophy of the French Pavilion reflects a deep conviction of Besix, that if the construction sector is today a major cause of our collective carbon footprint, it also can provide the right solution, he says.

“This is why we have been developing cutting-edge expertise focused on the circular economy and the energy performance of buildings and infrastructure for several years. The French Pavilion itself carries these messages in a remarkable way,” he noted.

“In addition to its sustainability qualities, the French Pavilion displays various technical achievements including a spectacular 1,800-sq-m interior façade. Its panoramic terrace also offers a unique view of the Expo site, he added.