Innovation and sustainability took centre stage during Mario Cucinella’s presentation of the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
The architect emphasised sustainability as “recuperating materials and avoiding waste” during an institutional visit to the construction site for international media.
Cucinella highlighted the collaboration with Japanese firms Nomura and Nishio Rent, focusing on a regenerative architectural approach. “A pavilion as a manifesto of sustainability, certified as carbon-free, and the choice to build it all in wood goes in the direction of being able to assemble and dismantle it,” he explained.
He described the pavilion as a “large hangar of knowledge” with three key elements reflecting Italy’s history: a theatre to welcome visitors, a large square as a meeting space, and a sweeping garden symbolising the connection between Italian and Japanese cultures. Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto contributed to the garden’s design.
“Today we finished the part of structures, and in January we will start the construction of the theatre and the garden,” said Cucinella, adding that “70% of the pavilion has been built.”
The architect also noted how the use of wood ties innovation to Italy’s architectural traditions. “Today the technology of gluing wood has allowed to also build very large buildings,” he said. “And wood is a material that has captured CO2, thus important to balance out emissions.”
Construction of Italian Pavilion progressing rapidly
Construction of the Italian Pavilion, the largest national complex built entirely in wood, is progressing rapidly. Italy was the first to open their construction site, and around 60–70% of the work has already been completed. The wooden ceiling, designed to remain visible, evokes the grandeur of Italian palaces from the 1500s. “The wooden ceiling has been designed to remain visible and to be seen as an ancient Italian palace from the 1500s,” said Cucinella.
The pavilion aims to deliver a positive message blending beauty, ethics, and sustainability. This message is further reinforced by the carbon-free certification and innovative use of glued wood.
Mario Vattani, Italy’s General Commissioner for Expo 2025, reiterated the pavilion’s role in promoting Italian excellence. “Osaka offers a unique opportunity to promote Italian excellences in a multitude of sectors, thus the appointment is in April 2025 with great attention from the Japanese on what we will present,” he said.
Regional involvement also plays a key role in the project, with Friuli Venezia Giulia Governor Massimiliano Fedriga highlighting its potential for investment and research. The pavilion aligns with Expo 2025’s theme of “Designing Future Society” by showcasing innovation and sustainability aimed at improving quality of life.
A tool for territories, businesses and institutions
The Expo 2025 website describes the Italian Pavilion as “Expo 2025 Osaka is a global stage for the integrated promotion of the Country System and Made in Italy in the Asia-Pacific area. An extraordinary opportunity to support the internationalization of production chains, attract investments, enhance our technologies, Italian know-how and promote tourism.”
A study by the Polytechnic University of Milan estimates a 20% rise in Italian exports to Japan and East Asia, with a projected value exceeding €600 million. The study attributes the growth to Italy’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, offering an ideal platform for promotional activities and fostering international connections.
The Italian Pavilion will feature versatile spaces designed for exhibitions, forums, and events, alongside a prestigious Ceremonial and VIP Area for public relations and dedicated rooms for B2B meetings.
Thematic Focus Areas
Aerospace
This section highlights the advancements in Italian-Japanese cooperation in aerospace, featuring cutting-edge technology. It also explores underwater innovation, focusing on hydrogen environments, navigation, and research.
City and Society
This theme examines the relationship between humanity and the environment, with a focus on infrastructure networks, mobility, urban planning, and sustainable energy solutions.
The Person
Centred on the human experience, this area explores advancements that enhance quality of life. Topics include medicine, life sciences, robotics, artificial intelligence, home automation, food education, and digital pedagogy.
A Strategic Opportunity
With thematic weeks and six months of events, Expo 2025 Osaka provides an unparalleled opportunity for Italy to showcase its excellence, promote innovation, and strengthen its global partnerships.
Expo 2025 runs from 13 April to 13 October 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
