Malaysia has announced that work on its Expo 2020 pavilion – being modelled on the lines of the country’s unique ‘Rainforest Canopy’ – is going as per schedule.

On completion, the pavilion spanning an area of 1,234 sq m, is expected to be among the first net zero carbon initiatives at Expo 2020 event, thus highlighting the country’s commitment to sustainability.

The Malaysian pavilion will witness participation from 22 government ministries, 40 agencies and five state governments.

Unveiling the details on the pavilion, Malaysian Ambassador to the UAE Mohd Tarid Sufian said: “It is an architectural marvel blending esoteric design with animation elements to provide a sublime experience of man-nature relationship to visitors. We wanted to remind the need to have a sustainable outlook on life and business in these challenging times through our ‘Rainforest Canopy’ concept at Expo 2020.”

The theme of the pavilion is ‘Energising Sustainability’ – which captures the country’s commitment to balance socio-economic progress with environmental protection.

Situated between the Sustainability District and Mobility District at the Expo 2020 site, the pavilion aims to highlight nature’s harmony and the need for humanity to be sensitive to it.

“Meranti wood has been extensively used for the pavilion’s façade to make a statement of Malaysia’s sustainable forestry practices and timber products. To enhance the impact of the design, a novel engineering method has been deployed to project the meranti outward,” he explained.

“You will find the ‘Rainforest Canopy’ concept in the middle of the desert enchanting, complete with tree clusters to walk through, flanked by robust flora and fauna and a river meandering in between,” remarked Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, CEO of the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC), the implementing agency for Malaysia’s participation in Expo 2020.

Shamsul said the pavilion is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through 20 per cent energy savings achieved with eco-friendly architecture and construction.

According to him, the animated pavilion has special projections including an awe-inspiring waterfall effect against the backdrop of a desert landscape.

The stream originates from the top of the pavilion and snakes its way down the ramp, which has a suspension bridge feel while walking on it.

As visitors set foot on the pavilion’s grounds, light poles designed to sway lightly welcome them. The pavilion itself graces the ground with the lightweight structure, flexible for dismantling and reuse, made with just the right amount of steel. The pavilion is built on small footprint but once inside visitors would experience a larger feel of space.