Saint-Gobain SHEERFILL® products used in Al Wasl Plaza – the Heart of Expo2020 Dubai

Saint-Gobain SHEERFILL® products used in Al Wasl Plaza – the Heart of Expo2020 Dubai

Saint-Gobain has been named one of the world's 100 most innovative companies in the Clarivate Top 100 Global Innovator™ 2021 ranking for the tenth consecutive year. The ranking is established by studying the number of patents filed, but also the impact that a company’s inventions have on patent filings by others, the percentage of successful patent submissions, and the steps taken for legal protection of patents filed worldwide.

Described as the ‘crown jewel’ the 360-degree dome is a centre piece of Expo 2020, where the opening ceremony for the event will be hosted.

The name is a historical reference to the emirate of Dubai but also means “connection”. It couldn’t be more accurate –it reflects the inspiration for this masterpiece of architecture and the Expo itself – bringing bring people together, where the roads meet, in the exotic land of Dubai.

Al Wasl Plaza’s trellis design was inspired by an ancient golden ring and it also reflects the intertwined logo of the Expo 2020.

Stunning design and stringent fire performance were not the only requirements when it came to product of choice. The material had to satisfy the competing requirements of allowing for openness and ventilation, while acting as a projection “screen” for one of the most sophisticated 360° video projection systems in the world. This called for a customized solution.

In the spring of 2017, Saint-Gobain began working on the project with Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture LLP – this included developing a custom color and materials for evaluation as a very unique projection screen. Our SGM-30 Tan was specified for the project based on several criteria, including color consistency, ability to project on it day and night, and the outstanding reputation of the SHEERFILL brand.

Working with multiple stakeholders, Saint-Gobain was a critical part of the project team throughout the entire process, working with both the architect and client’s project manager, and making visits to the construction site. The team provided input including design details, and advice on fabrication details including perimeter and seam design, all to ensure optimum aesthetic results.

In 2019, over 30,000m2 of the custom Tan color of our SGM-30 PTFE-coated mesh fabric was delivered for the construction of this 130-metre wide, 67-metre tall unique structure, which will remain a permanent installation after the world fair ends.

Saint-Gobain is very proud to enable the creation of this amazing project and breath taking design.

The plaza was officially inaugurated in January 2020 by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.