JKMM’s aim was to bring a fragment of Finnish nature and culture and merge it with that of the UAE at the Dubai Expo 2020.

Finland’s Expo Pavilion named ”Lumi” alludes to a “Snow Cape”, and is inspired by the thin white layer of first snowfall that covers the Finnish landscape at the start of every winter.  The Pavilion is also inspired by traditional nomadic cultures and it’s entrance resembles a large white Arabic tent. In this way two cultures meet in “Lumi’s” architecture.

Throughout history the tent has provided an setting for face to face meetings. Inside the pavilion this archetype is realised through a deep top lit gorge-like space that welcomes and brings together visitors in a memorable way. Its simple, pure, curving form, clad with a wooden lattice harks back to the celebrated heritage of Finnish Modernist architecture and design that is a reflection of Finnish nature.  

The Pavilion’s main theme is ”Finland – Sharing Future Happiness” – This is reflected in the design through this symbiosis of people, nature, culture and technology.