Grand Ring - An architectural masterpiece in wood that will define Expo 2025 Osaka

With less than 100 days until the official opening, Expo 2025 Osaka is preparing to amaze the world with an extraordinary architectural achievement: the Grand Ring, one of the world's largest wooden buildings. Designed by renowned architect Sou Fujimoto, this impressive circular structure is more than just a building - it is a physical manifestation of the event's philosophy of "Unity in Diversity".

The circular structure, completed in August 2024, spans a horizontally projected area of about 60,000 square meters. With an inner diameter of 615 meters and an outer diameter of 675 meters, the ring is 30 meters wide and ranges in height from 12 to 20 meters. What makes this construction truly remarkable is the ingenious combination of traditional Japanese wood construction techniques, such as nuki (penetration) joints, with modern engineering methods.

The Grand Ring is not only an architectural symbol but also an essential functional element of the exhibition. The space beneath the structure serves as the main promenade for visitors, providing protection from rain, wind and sun. The Ring's elevated skywalk offers spectacular views of the entire exhibition site, the Seto Sea and Osaka City, and the green roof organically integrates the structure into its surroundings.

Expo 2025 Osaka, which will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025 on the man-made island of Yumeshima, has as its main theme "Designing the Future Society for Our Lives". The overall plan is divided into three equal thematic areas: Saving
Lives), Empowering Lives and Connecting Lives, each representing a crucial aspect of the vision for the future.

For the timber community, the Grand Ring is a monumental demonstration of the potential of wood in modern and sustainable architecture. This structure demonstrates how traditional materials can be used in innovative ways to create spaces that not only visually impress, but also promote human connectivity and harmony with nature.

In the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Japan's Society 5.0 vision, the Grand Ring becomes a perfect example of how timber construction can help create a more sustainable and connected future. This architectural achievement sets new standards in large-scale timber construction and demonstrates the potential of this natural material in ambitious architectural designs of the future.