Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka | Manuel Herz Architects

The Swiss pavilion will take visitors on an immersive and interactive journey through collaborative innovation. Twenty years after the country’s impactful participation in Aichi, the same commissioner general will inaugurate a fresh and dynamic programme under the title From Heidi to High-Tech. This narrative reflects Switzerland’s evolution from its iconic Alpine heritage to a globally recognised hub of cutting-edge technolo- gy and innovation. Beloved by generations in Japan, the timeless figure of Heidi* will serve as the pavilion’s official mascot, embodying the spirit of friendship between the two nations. The Swiss Pavilion presents a unique opportunity to deepen the already strong bilateral ties, particularly as Japan stands as Switzerland’s most significant partner in Asia for science and technology.

The pavilion: sustainable design meets Swiss creativity

As Expo 2025 provides a platform for sharing expertise on a sustainable future, Swit- zerland aims to contribute by building a pavilion with minimal environmental impact. This is achieved through a lightweight membrane structure that forms the four inter- connected spheres on the pavilion’s ground floor. The scenography, which evokes a sense of lightness and joy, guides visitors through an interactive and informative experience showcasing Swiss excellence in innova- tion and creativity, with a focus on three major themes for Switzerland at the expo — Augmented Human, Life, and Planet. The construction of the pavilion was made possible through the seamless collabo- ration between architect Manuel Herz, general contractor NUSSLI Group, and sceno- graphers Bellprat Partner, following a competitive tender process.

Sphere 1 (Permanent)
A giant paper-cut installation sets the stage, immersing visitors in the Swiss values of collaboration and innovation. Exclusive custom-made perfumes by Firmenich will infuse several areas of the pavilion, including Sphere 1, while breathtaking Swiss landscapes presented by Swiss Tourism further enrich the experience.

Sphere 2 (Permanent)
Presented by MSC, this sphere will allow visitors to share their visions for the future, transforming them into a bubbly art spectacle, using an AI-technology developed by The Software Institute at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) in Lugano.

Sphere 3 (Rotating)
Changing every two months, this sphere will highlight today’s technological progress and tomorrow’s visionary breakthroughs, spanning the Augmented Human, Life, and Planet themes. The futuristic atmosphere is enhanced by USM displays and innovative lighting. While Nestlé will present a special project during the Planet exhibition, the Geneva Public Portal to Anticipation will be a consistent feature in sphere 3, highlighting the importance of anticipation. This interactive installation at the intersection of art, science, and diplomacy invites visitors to craft fictional futures based on data from the GESDA Science Breakthrough Radar, which anticipate scientific trends over the next 5, 10, and 25 years.

Sphere 4 (Permanent)
Finally, visitors will immerse themselves in an environment that embodies the joy and creativity at the heart of Switzerland’s cultural and technological innovations, with Heidi serving as a symbol of the country’s inventive spirit.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to take home Swiss souvenirs, ranging from wooden toys to limited-edition KitKat flavours, alongside Swiss coffee and water from Nestlé (Nescafé, Nespresso and S.Pellegrino). The Heidi Café on the rooftop will offer regional dishes subtly enhanced with Japanese flavours, creating a fusion dining experience with a spectacular view and a Swiss wine selection from Swiss Wine Promotion. Partially recruited by Adecco Japan and dressed in BALLY uniforms, the Swiss and Japanese staff will welcome visitors in Japanese, English, and three of Switzerland’s four national languages.