Algeria Pavilion

The Algerian pavilion at Expo 2015, designed by Studio De Ferrari Architects Buonomo Veglia in the Bio Mediterranean cluster, represents the food traditions of the country.

Studio De Ferrari Architetti e Buonomo Veglia, Padiglione Algerino, Cluster Bio Mediterrane, Expo Milano 2015

In June 2014, the design team composed by Studio De Ferrari Architetti and Buonomo Veglia, in partnership with Bodino Engineering as general contractor, was awarded as winner of the International Competition for the design and development of the Algeria Pavillon at Expo 2015 in Milan.

The exhibition aims to introduce visitors to Algerian Government extensive resources and commitment for a nation based on tradition but with a huge potential for food production and development.

The exhibition aims to introduce visitors to Algerian Government extensive resources and commitment for a nation based on tradition but with a huge potential for food production and development. The Exhibition Hall include three areas: the first one, named Oasis, recalls the atmosphere of the agorà and the souk. It will illustrate the ancient history of food production as well the variety and richness of the Algerian territory and sea.

The space is fully surrounded with perforated panels as the traditional Algerian pattern moucharabia. The niches display images and objects including a masterpiece: the Roman mosaic Nymphe Cyrène dating end of the III century / beginning of the II century DC. A video documentary (made in Algeria for this special occasion) will be projected on a large elliptical screen suspended in the center of the space while the history and geography of Algeria will be shown on screens embedded in the walls.

The preparation of the traditional Algerian food will be a topic in the second area. It will be located in the corner next to the restaurant entrance and bordered by a large curved screen. In this area, a six minute movie will show a mother teaching her daughter (and visitors) about the art of traditional cuisine.

The third area is located next to the main exit and is conceived to promote tourism: it will host the distribution of promotional material and gadgets, the exhibition of handy craft objects and philately on the theme of Expo.

The restaurant is next to the exhibition hall. It can host thirty diners placed at tables. Tasting-food and finger-food will be served. The restaurant perforated ceiling is shaped as a half barrel. Bottom mirrored walls multiply the visual space. A large modern chandelier reinterprets the Arabian archetype.

The first floor is a reserved area for the Commissioner and his guests with offices and space for meetings. The large rectangular room is divided longitudinally with a two-faced bench, with a high backrest, shaped as typically Arabic.

Aligned on the walls, one side will host the VIP reception: a large screen will show, as in an window, all the images simultaneously showed on the elliptical screen on the ground floor. On the other side a selection of local products and dishes will be offer to guests. A patchwork of typical Algerians carpets will fully cover the floor and the bench and rare art objects will be exposed in the wall niches in a very comfortable and special atmosphere.