Garden of Knowledge: A Laboratory for a Future Society

The Uzbekistan Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka presents an immersive showcase entitled Garden of Knowledge: A Laboratory for a Future Society. Commissioned by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) and designed by award-winning ATELIER BRÜCKNER, the Pavilion and its exhibition echoes the overarching theme of this year’s expo—Designing Future Societies for our Lives. As Uzbekistan and Japan share long-standing artistic traditions such as wood carving and temple construction, the Pavilion fosters meaningful cultural dialogue between the two countries.

Inside the pavilion, the exhibition highlights key projects that reflect Uzbekistan’s transformation in the areas of education, culture, innovation, and clean energy, aligned with the country's Strategy 2030 and UNESCO development goals. On the ground floor, guests can explore dynamic media installations highlighting Uzbekistan’s transition to a green economy, aligning with UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) through exhibits showcasing renewable energy initiatives, wind farms, and sustainable transport. The Industrial Development area illustrates Uzbekistan’s commitment to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), notably through the Aral Sea Basin restoration initiative, supported by the Japanese government, demonstrating how innovative farming methods are reviving this historically devastated region. Additionally, the country’s advancement of the SDG 4 (Quality Education) is featured in the Cultural Development section of the Pavilion with the international Homo Faber project, a celebration of craftsmanship excellence fostering global collaborations among master artisans, young creators, and designers working sustainably with natural materials.

Inspired by the idea of gathering under trees, the Pavilion's architectural concept evokes ancient caravanserais along the Silk Road: places that historically provided shelter for travellers and traders. By reinterpreting traditional principles of protection, education, and knowledge exchange, the Pavilion becomes a contemporary and sustainable Garden of Knowledge. Located near the West Entrance of Expo 2025 Osaka, it is designed as an open and inviting space, where guests engage with Uzbekistan’s rich heritage and contemporary innovation from the moment they arrive.

Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation and Commissioner of the Pavilion Gayane Umerova says: "The Uzbekistan Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is not just an architectural landmark: it is a powerful statement of our nation's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration. Deeply rooted in our cultural heritage and sharply focused on the future, the Pavilion serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and creative partnership. Uzbekistan has always believed in the strength of cultural exchange, as evidenced by our longstanding friendship with Japan. By participating in Expo 2025 Osaka, we proudly reaffirm our readiness to build even stronger global connections. Together, we will drive meaningful conversations that inspire lasting solutions for a more sustainable, interconnected world.”

The highlight of the exhibition is a 360-degree multimedia journey inside a rising platform. In just over three minutes, projections and soundscapes immerse guests in Uzbekistan’s transformation, preparing them for their arrival in the Garden of Knowledge above. Unique in both its innovative design and purpose, this moving platform is the first of its kind in Japan, offering an unprecedented visitor journey.

As viewers ascend to the Garden of Knowledge open roof terrace, they enter a serene forest of slender wooden columns, an architectural tribute to the historic Juma Mosque in Khiva. Reinforcing the Pavilion’s commitment to sustainability and material transparency, columns are equipped with NFC tags that allow viewers to trace the Japanese origin of the timber used in the Pavilion’s construction.

Shirin Frangoul-Brückner, Founding Partner and Managing Director of Atelier Brückner, says: “We are deeply proud to have translated Uzbekistan’s identity into a space that inspires curiosity, connection, and a shared future. The Uzbekistan Pavilion is far more than a structure—it is a powerful symbol of a nation with extraordinary development potential. Rooted in a rich cultural and architectural heritage, it tells a story of tradition in transformation. With this pavilion, we celebrate the spirit of exchange, innovation, and sustainability. Historic forms and materials were reimagined through contemporary design to create an experience that feels both timeless and forward-looking. It was a true honour to bring this vision to life together with ACDF.”

Handcrafted ceramic stools designed by Japan-born, Lebanese Nada Debs in collaboration with Uzbek artisans, are inspired by traditional Uzbek craftsmanship. Debs has also contributed to the furniture and design of the VIP room of the Pavilion. Uzbek ceramicist Abdulvahid Bukhoriy Karimov created more than 11,000 traditional Bukharian tiles in the signature turquoise colour for the floor, walls and ceiling of the Pavilion shop. Other Uzbek artists who contributed to the Pavilion design and interior decoration, are suzani embroiderer Madina Kasymbaeva and ceramicist Alisher Nazirov.

Open to the public from April 13, 2025, the Uzbekistan Pavilion offers an engaging programme of cultural events, discussions, and performances spanning the six-month duration of the Expo 2025 Osaka. In May the Pavilion will host a special event at the Expo Hall featuring a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan with the participation of the Richter Trio. Additionally, visitors will be able to join sessions on sustainability, biodiversity, and the arts, held within the Theme Weeks and the Women’s Pavilion by Cartier. September will see a celebration of the National Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Further details on the public programme will be announced in due course.

The Uzbekistan Pavilion at Expo 2025 is open from April 13 to October 13, 2025, on Yumeshima Island in Osaka, Japan.

Garden of Knowledge: A Laboratory for a Future Society in the Uzbekistan Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka, commissioned by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF).