The pavilion showcases Slovenia as the green heart of Europe, situated at an important European crossroads combining three natural elements: water, forest and wood.

The Architecture MasterPrize honours exceptional creative and innovative ideas in the field of architecture and design worldwide. The jury selecting the winners consists of the most renowned names in architecture.

The slogan behind the Slovenian pavilion reads Smart Green Experience and intertwines three natural elements: water, forest and wood. The water carpet represents Slovenia’s abundance of clean water, with water circulating and naturally cooling the entire area, while inviting visitors to learn about the habitat. The water feature also symbolically represents a mirror of time, as explained by Biro Magnet Design.

These images are then encapsulated by a floating forest which the architects raised into the air, thus creating a green cloud. The forest is Slovenia’s wealth in the green heart of Europe and generates an authentic experience of this natural resource amidst the Sahara sand.

The foliage is planted in special wet insulation panels providing protection from the heat of the surrounding area and in the facility itself. The green architectural design established the conditions for a special natural climate that is generated automatically due to the combination of water and greenery. Local plants, selected with the help of local experts, were used for the foliage.

A wooden parasol stretches over the elements of water and forest, a sieve which, among other things, testifies to the heritage of architect Robert Klun, who is from Ribnica, a town known for its woodenware. The Ribnica sieve was Slovenia’s first export product 400 years ago, when it carried the news of Slovenian craftsmanship throughout the world.