soma has won first prize to design the thematic pavilion at the yeosu expo 2012 in south korea,

which is set to be one of the event’s major facilitis. its exhibitions will give visitors an overview

and introduction to the expo’s theme ‘the living ocean and coast’.

we experience the ocean mainly in two ways, as an endless surface and in an immersed position

as depth. soma’s concept for the thematic pavilion consists of continuous surfaces with

contrasting spatial qualities, transitioning between contrasting experiences to form the pavilion’s

outer appearance. towards the sea, the conglomeration of solid vertical cones defines a new

meandering coast line, a soft edge that is in constant negotiation between water and land.

on the opposite side, the pavilion develops out of the ground transforming into an artificial roof

landscape with gardens and scenic paths. the topographic lines of the roof turn into lamellas

of the kinetic media façade that faces the expo’s entrance and the ‘digital gallery’.