Japan Pavilion at Milan Expo 2015 – Photo by Enrico Zilli.

Architect Atsushi Kitagawara designed Japan Pavilion at Milan Expo 2015 combining ancient building techniques and digital technologies. A wooden grid structure that makes no use of metal nails or bolts enhances the sustainable imprint of the country based on Harmonious diversity. The pavilion features also design installations by Nendo and TeamLab.

The entrance of Japan Pavilion at Milan Expo 2015 features a colorful display of sake barrels – Courtesy of Expo Milano 2015.

RELATED STORIES – Read more on how sustainable architecture from around the globe gathered at Expo Milano according to the motto Feed the Planet – Energy for Life.

Courtesy of Expo Milano 2015,

In designing Japan Pavilion, architect Atsushi Kitagawara took inspiration by ancient buildings of satoyama villages. Satoyamas are natural woodlands that coexist nearby populated areas where architecture used to find its balance with Nature by making use of natural resources responsibly.

Photo by Enrico Zilli.

Horyuji Temple epitomizes the wisdom of Japan traditional wooden architecture that made use of a method of tension and compression between the single wooden elements. Indeed, these constructions were made without using a metal couplers and were earthquake-proof at the same time.

Courtesy of Atsushi Kitagawara.

Atsushi Kitagawara says “Japan Pavilion at Expo 2015 is based on the Theory of Life. In Japan 70% of the territory is covered by forests that provide most of the ingredients of our cuisine”.

Courtesy of Atsushi Kitagawara.

The studio combined traditional construction methods with the latest 3D programming technologies to create a wooden grid structure made with trees that were torn down only to thin out Japanese forests in order to allow them to regenerate.

TeamLab multimedia installation at Japan Pavilion – Courtesy of TeamLab.

The exhibition guides visitors through a multimedia journey with installations by TeamLab. Guests can interract with them and discover extra contents with a specially designed app.

The pavilion features also a design installation by Nendo: a sloping dining table with matching chairs creates a perspective illusion.

Nendo installation at Japan Pavilion – Photo by Enrico Zilli.

In the last section of the exhibition guests are invited to join the dinner table of the future, interact with touch-screens using chopsticks whilst actors entertain singing and dancing.

Japan Pavilion at Expo 2015 – Courtesy of Expo Milano 2015.

Videos: Courtesy of TeamLab.