Concept Summary

The German Pavilion had the challenging task to transform the topic of circularity, following the Expo theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, into an immersive spatial experience – not as theory, but as a tangible vision of a sustainable future. Under the title “Wa! Germany” – “Wa” meaning both “circle” and “harmony” in Japanese – the exhibition unites knowledge, emotion, and design in one coherent narrative.
Every element follows the idea of the cycle, from materials and spatial composition to storytelling and reuse after the Expo. The pavilion itself becomes an exhibit about circular principles in design and construction.
Visitors embark on a journey that unfolds like a story in space. It begins and ends in the Biosphere, where nature appears as the original master of cycles. Three immersive rooms extend this idea: Circular Living invites to the co-creation of future cities with AI, Circular Economy highlights innovations from German research and industry, and Circular Me turns reflection into action.
The companion “Circular” – with its design inspired by Japanese Kawaii culture – guides visitors with curiosity and warmth through the exhibition, making complex ideas engaging and emotionally accessible.
Sustainability is omnipresent: over 90% of the material mass is designed for post-Expo reintegration, media and furniture are rented, the garden’s plants are borrowed. After Osaka, the exhibits continue their life as a traveling exhibition throughout Germany.
“Wa! Germany” is an exhibition that fuses architecture, content, and experience into a narrative about sustainability – demonstrating how communication in space can inspire societal transformation.