An architectural statement of wood, music, and hope
With a soaring wooden spiral that inscribes Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” into the sky, Austria presents a poetic synthesis of architecture, music, and sustainability at Expo 2025 in Osaka. Designed by BWM Designers & Architects in collaboration with facts and fiction, the pavilion is a vibrant invitation to co-create the future – not designed, but composed.
A powerful visual symbol
At the heart of the concept is a 91-meter-long, 16-meter-high spiral sculpture made of wood, whose inner surface serves as a musical score. The choice of “Ode to Joy” is deliberate – a symbol of European identity and a testament to the universal power of music.
“The spiral has a universal, cross-cultural symbolic power. It invites us to reflect on cycles, transformation, and growth – beyond linear models of progress.”
– Johann Moser, BWM Designers & Architects
Wood as a material of the future
The spiral is built from Austrian spruce wood, not glued but screwed – enabling full disassembly and reuse. This method combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge engineering and stands as a clear statement for sustainable construction in times of climate urgency.
- 265 diagonal braces
- 5 steel pylons
- Prefabricated in Lower Austria
- Assembled in Japan by expert carpenters
The Pavilion Building: Modular, functional, flexible
Adjacent to the spiral is the actual pavilion building with a ground-level exhibition space (490 m²) and multiple levels:
- 1st floor: Offices and VIP lounge
- 2nd floor: A café with 50 seats
- 4th floor: A rooftop observation deck, accessed via a staircase integrated into the spiral
On the forecourt: a kiosk, a small shop, and a culinary highlight – Kaiserschmarrn to go, a sweet taste of Austrian culture for curious Expo visitors.
The Exhibition: A Cathedral of the Future
Inside, the exhibition is divided into three chapters:
- A musical opening projected onto the spiral’s score – celebrating Austria–Japan relations
- Oversized interactive notes illustrating Austria’s innovative strength
- The Cathedral of the Future – an immersive space inviting visitors to shape tomorrow together
Three key themes of the pavilion
- Symbolism: The spiral as a metaphor for movement, change, and optimism
- Music: A bridge between cultures – sound as connection
- Material: Wood as a future-facing, sustainable building solution
A pavilion like a symphony
With the theme “Austria. Composing the Future,” the Austrian Pavilion at Expo 2025 is more than just an architectural installation. It’s a symbol of hope, creativity, and responsibility – a composition for a world in transformation.