Themed ‘Chasing the Sun', the Pavilion, designed by Buchan, takes its design cue from the ubiquitous eucalyptus tree and its gumnut.

Australia Pavilion Expo 2025 by Buchan Day 02_web © SS Co.,Ltd Sakai Ichirou.jpg

Image: Australia Pavilion Expo 2025 by Buchan / SS Co. Ltd Sakai Ichirou

The eucalypt's many shapes and colours symbolise the diversity and dynamism of the Australian people, and the Pavilion's colourful facade represents a gumnut bursting into flower. As a powerful symbol of new life and the boundless potential of future generations, it reflects the World Expo theme 'Designing Future Society for our Lives'.

Lead Architect on the Pavilion, Nataly Ernst, says Buchan is honoured to have designed the Pavilion for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

"Our team is immensely proud of the Australia Pavilion, which showcases our unique country on the world stage and supports the enduring friendship between Australia and Japan,” Ernst says.

The vibrant Pavilion is wrapped in a soft, tensile fabric that creates a canvas for sharing Australia's stories, innovation and creativity. It features an immersive exhibition, a forecourt Cultural Precinct and a Special Event Zone for functions and business.

Australia Pavilion Expo 2025 by Buchan Exhibition 03© SS Co.,Ltd Sakai Ichirou_web.jpg

Image: Australia Pavilion Expo 2025 by Buchan / SS Co. Ltd Sakai Ichirou

Indigenous advisors Karrda worked alongside the Buchan team to embed Country into the Pavilion and amplify Indigenous culture and ways of knowing. The exhibition design takes visitors on a bushwalk that captures the experience of walking on Country.

Buchan Creative Lead on the Pavilion, Dong Uong, says the exhibition is an interactive journey that engages all the senses.

"The experience ‘chases the sun’ across land, sky and sea Country, based on the structure and flow of the song lines that traverse the land and have shared knowledge between Indigenous people for millennia,” Uong says.

Visitors will engage with Australia’s breathtaking natural environment whilst learning about its society and achievements, acknowledging the past, present and future.

They will be invited to learn about First Nations Australians’ connection to Country over tens of thousands of years and how this ancient knowledge can help us build a future society.

Beneath the arc of the Pavilion's facade, a sheltered stage faces a landscaped visitor forecourt to create a lively Cultural Precinct. An open, welcoming gathering point, it includes a yarning circle that invites people to connect.

A full-service cafe offers Australian food and drink, whilst programming will express the nation's culture and personality through music, dance, theatre and screen content.

The Special Event Zone features four function spaces for meetings and presentations. Colour and materials reflect Australian landscapes, and Australian design, art and craft features throughout.

Australia Pavilion Expo 2025 by Buchan Exhibition 01 © SS Co.,Ltd Sakai Ichirou_web.jpg

Image: Australia Pavilion Expo 2025 by Buchan / SS Co. Ltd Sakai Ichirou

The engaging, sensory-rich spaces support the economic, cultural and social imperatives of Australia's Expo participation. These include deepening Australia’s relationship with Japan, creating new opportunities for Australian businesses and showcasing contemporary Australia to the world.

Sustainable design and circular economy principles, materials and delivery methodologies underpin the temporary Pavilion's structure. A reusable steel framework, previously utilised at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, supports the tensile fabric shell.

The light-permeable fabric captures changing shadows across the day to connect visitors with nature as part of the Pavilion experience. Minimal construction materials, a fast build and the light-permeable building envelope minimise waste and energy use.

"The overarching theme of Expo 2025 is creating better futures," says Ernst.

"World Expos are a great opportunity for architects to experiment and exchange ideas. Buchan is excited to have the opportunity to work with our consultant team to showcase our nation's design ingenuity."

World Expo 2025 Osaka runs for six months from 13 April to 13 October 2025.

Image: Australia Pavilion / Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Clémence Carayol

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