What we delivered
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Realised an innovative, sustainable pavilion concept through cutting-edge engineering and digital technology.
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Developed a new mirror membrane material with high reflectivity, flexibility and resistance.
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Enabled immersive motion experience via physics simulations and interactive digital tools.
Get in touch with our team
As one of the signature pavilions at Expo 2025 Osaka, the ‘null²’ Pavilion showcases innovative design and technology. The design concept is based on the motif of a mirror, inviting guests to reflect on their own existence in both the real and virtual worlds. It aims to create an unseen landscape.
To realise this vision, we worked with the pavilion’s producer and media artist Yoichi Ochiai and NOIZ, utilising cutting-edge digital technology to delve into next-generation design and societal values. A distinctive mirrored exterior material was developed with Taiyo Kogyo Corporation through iterative prototyping, culminating in a dynamic, reflective architectural membrane.
The pavilion features a main building with exhibition rooms and steel-framed cubes called ‘Voxels’ – 3D visual elements suspended around the structure. These shift in appearance with the viewer’s angle. A robotic arm and woofer on the Voxel’s reverse side generate localised vibrations and movements in the mirrored landscape.
We provided overall engineering support, including structural design, environmental facility design, membrane development consulting and geometry.
Our integrated engineering approach enabled the creation of a pioneering pavilion that fuses art, architecture and emerging technology. The result is a structurally and conceptually innovative experience that expands architectural possibilities and exemplifies future-forward, sustainable design thinking.
Embracing circular economy
Designed with the 3R principle – reduce, recycle and reuse – the pavilion is meant to be fully dismantled after Expo 2025.
The structure uses unit trusses and small beams with earthquake-resistant components that are easily assembled on-site by bolting legs together. Most steel frame members were made from recycled materials (electric furnace and post-demolition scrap) and selected to match standard H-shaped leased steel, allowing for reuse after the Expo.
Concrete was deliberately excluded from the structure, floor, and foundation to minimise demolition waste. Instead, dry-construction materials such as paving steel plates and autoclaved lightweight concrete panels were used for easy assembly and disassembly. The approach ensures minimal environmental impact and high reusability.

‘null²’ Pavilion's distinctive ‘mirror membrane’ exterior was central to expressing the ‘null²’ concept. © Daici Ano
Innovating exterior materials
The pavilion’s distinctive ‘mirror membrane’ exterior was central to expressing the ‘null²’ concept. We, in collaboration with membrane material manufacturers Taiyo Kogyo and NOIZ, developed this new material, which combines elasticity and durability with a high-gloss mirrored finish. This innovation was achieved through a series of prototypes and experiments, spanning approximately two and a half years.
To enhance the precision of the mirror surface, a variety of plastic and metal materials underwent visual checks and mechanical tests. The outcome was a mirror film boasting a reflectance of 98%, capable of enduring 300,000 repetitions while maintaining ample wind resistance and elasticity. We facilitated mechanical performance verification and support methods through this process.
Simulating fluid forms
To evoke the organic, fluid form envisioned in the ‘null²’ concept, the pavilion required a continuous, curved surface that suggested internal pressure or movement. We worked with NOIZ to develop a custom physics simulation using Grasshopper’s Kangaroo plug-in.
This enabled precise modelling of the inner ring’s curvature and its interaction with adjacent elements, allowing the team to fine-tune the geometry and achieve the design intent while maintaining structural feasibility.

The pavilion’s distinctive ‘mirror membrane’ exterior. © Tomoyuki Kusunose

To enhance the precision of the mirror surface, a variety of plastic and metal materials underwent visual checks and mechanical tests. © Daici Ano

Building layout of ‘null²’ Pavilion.
Interactive design communication
To animate the pavilion and communicate its dynamic design intent, we developed an interactive visualisation tool. Using Blender, Unreal Engine and 2D perspectives, the tool allowed viewers to explore the pavilion’s motion in a virtual environment.
Though uncommon in architectural engineering, this tool proved vital for stakeholder engagement, offering clear visual context for design decisions. It was used during press events and throughout the project as a communication and coordination aid.
Top image: © Daici Ano

To animate the pavilion and communicate its dynamic design intent, we developed an interactive visualisation tool. © Tomoyuki Kusunose

Membrane Dynamic VR tool with Unreal Engine.
NOIZ, Yoichi Ochiai
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