The source of
everything

Penda Austria and Smartvoll’s proposal for the Austrian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, titled “The Source of Everything,” celebrates water as both a basic human right and a shared public resource. The open-air structure uses a series of watermills to circulate clean Austrian rainwater, creating an immersive experience through mist, droplets, and refreshing rain. Visitors are welcomed with umbrellas, invited to interact with the water, and then guided to a communal table to dry off and connect with others. Designed as a living, breathing installation, the pavilion offers a sustainable alternative to traditional climate-controlled spaces, turning architecture into a playful and meaningful encounter with nature.

Expo Dubai 2020

Beyond its physical presence, the pavilion aims to leave a lasting emotional impression, connecting visitors with Austria’s values of sustainability, openness, and human connection. By transforming a simple element like water into an experience of wonder, the design invites reflection on how we share and care for our world.

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View from top

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Details

Open positions

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Project Manager

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Lead designer

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Photographer

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