Monaco is getting ready for next year’s key international event. The Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai themed Designing Future Society for Our Lives will be developed through three main axes: Saving, Empowering and Connecting Lives. It is therefore meant to be an important moment of reflection on how to forge our future respecting ourselves and the natural ecosystem which we are part of, through a shared sustainable vision. The event is designed to welcome 28 million people from 160 different countries, including nine international organisations, throughout its duration from April the 13th to October the 13th 2025.
Based on a strong legacy, the Principality of Monaco has been joining the Expo since 1873. The incoming architectural and thematic project promises to be particularly emblematic to develop "Take Care of Wonder" that is willing to give life to a sensory hub as the trait d'union between the Mediterranean and Japanese cultures.
The Monaco Pavilion, with the support of CMB Banking Group and Société des Bains de Mer, is aimed at raising awareness on global key environmental themes subject to mutual interest by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation following the pioneering spirit linked to the Principality of Monaco.
The synergy between Japan and Monaco will be resulting from a detailed series of visual, semantic and semiotic elements to make an effective storytelling. Starting from the logo specifically created for the occasion. The iconic red rhombus representing the Princely coat of arms is depicted in concentric lines in the footsteps of the flag of Japan, paying tribute to the millennial art of traditional Japanese gardens where nature meets the human genius to live together.
Take care of the wonder, "We love what has amazed us, and we protect what we love". Inspired by the meaningful words by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the conceiver of the Pavilion are willing to induce visitors to recover the pristine curiosity of the young age, constantly in search of wonder. The architectural structure of the exhibition space is directly inspired by the natural forms of canopy reshaped by light metal structures in direct connection with floral greeneries to create a unique ecosystem. Surrounded by citrus plants and Mediterranean herbs, natural fragrances and tactile sensations will play as best ambassadors of Monaco's heritage.
A series of thematic environments will accompany the visitor to discover the Monegasque territory, step by step. The welcoming semi-circular hall will extend vertically inviting visitors to interact with the five senses through multimedia and augmented reality installations that will allow to appreciate unexplored details of the Principality.
Wonder will be unfolded through haikus, concise unrhymed poems typical of the Japanese tradition, to evoke the twinnings between the two cultures.
Passing through 'Découvrez Monaco' session where to experience the emblematic sights of Monaco in an immersive experience, visitors will access to the sustainable beating heart of the Principality. The Monaco Green Lab projecting the future vision to meet the needs of the present without forgetting the ecological spirit that has always inspired the members of the Princely Family.
This showroom celebrates the long-lasting willingness to encourage scientific research and innovation, started in 1885 by the will of Prince Albert I of Monaco, fond of ocean expeditions, great great grandfather of the current Sovreign Prince, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, who is willing to carry on the Family tradition through His Foundation, aimed at protecing natural ecosystems and promote sustainable development worldwide.
A tree-like multimedia space will act as the metaphor of both the "green" roots of Monaco and the high technology, at the heart of the ongoing ecological and digital transition. How is Monaco developing sustainably? Protecting its natural heritage and the unique ecosystems while reducing CO2 emissions, developing renewable energies and sustainable mobility are pillars of a targeted programme of actions.
Not by chance, the shape of the tree was chosen to represent the natural world strongly interconnected with Monaco urban area, thus portraying the constant commitment to environmental sustainability. Visitors will be invited to learn more about the ongoing projects on ocean protection, urban greeneries and clean mobility, inheriting more than one hundred years of commitment by key institutions.
LET’S TAKE CARE OF OUR MOTHER EARTH.
The idea is to create an open-space ecological laboratory to convey practical solutions to foster Sustainability within a Monegasque styled garden to connect directly with Nature. Monaco has long held the role of promoter of cross-border projects with the support of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the whole Principality through three main themed areas, as follows.
1. Describing the intertwined and complex relationship between Human Being and Nature, through anamorphic sculpture.
Thomas Medicus, Austrian master of artistic optical illusion recalling natural forms, will interpret the catching phrase "Take care of Wonder" via a multifaceted sculpture to strengthen the bond between human community and other living beings.
2. Preserving Wilderness in Populated Areas.
A unique installation, entitled «Human Being-Wild Fauna» will represent the complex coexistence of wildlife in the evolution of the urban land up to reach originally rural areas. Thanks to an interactive game, visitors will experience close encounters with wildlife looking for an eco-friendly behaviour to preserve natural ecosystems.
3. Flowers for Bees: A Planet for All.
Their presence is a crucial biodiversity indicator. Thus, safeguarding their survival in cities is prior. Albert Einstein stated that bees' extinction would force the Planet to survive not more than four years. As a matter of fact, 80% of fruit and vegetable species depends on pollination processes. Raising awareness about the pivotal role of bees community is vital to mainain liveable conditions on Planet Earth. And the Principality is carrying on leading projects in this direction.
LET’S TAKE CARE OF OUR OCEANS
What were your first sensations when diving into the sea? An extended fresco by Carnovksy (Milan based art/design duo made of Francesco Rugi and Silvia Quintanilla) will envelop visitors in the beauty of deep-sea creatures, while colours will depict large pelagics (blue), fish biodiversity (green) and smaller organisms (red), all found in the Mediterranean Sea. This eco-cathedral pays tributre to ocean ecosystems, whose conservation is the core mission of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
The combination of colours, 3D bioplastic elements and the lighting design by Lucas Zito invite humans to respect the balances of the natural world. We are then responsible for keeping a balanced relationship with Nature. Six round-shaped screens, recalling ship's portholes, will showcase projects by Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, including Mr. Goodfish, to foster more sustainable and responsible consumption of seafood, and the Global Reef Fund to protect and restore coral ecosystems.
The synergy of aesthetics and functional features characterizing the Monaco Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will then best represent figuratively the authentic Made in Monaco eco-responsible spirit. ***
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By Maurice Abbati
>> Journalist, Editor, Communication, Media and Public Relations Specialist.
>> Lecturer and Author in English language of Technical Articles and the Manual: "Communicating the Environment to Save the Planet, a Journey into Eco-Communication" by Springer International Publishing.
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