A Case for Analogue
Expo City Dubai at COP28 in Review: Exploring the need for more analogue experiences in a digitally saturated world of exhibitions.
In a time where almost every pavilion experience throws you into a labyrinth of digital screens, projections and large LED walls, working on the Expo City Dubai pavilion at COP28 gave us an opportunity to explore simple, intuitive and quite importantly analogue approaches to creating an immersive experience.
This also had us question why we don’t design and build more analogue experiences. With the industry saturated with digital experiences, could we become an advocate for analogue, tech-lean experiences, to consciously put analogue first and perhaps later embellish and enhance with digital.
Expo City at COP28
Reviewing the Expo City COP28 case study, I started to use different elements of our design as a basis for this case.
From a welcome experience that was a manifestation of a Ghaf tree, to fields of discovery inspired by local flora, content shells drawing on some of Shigeru Ban’s iconic carboard tubes, furniture and plinths inspired by the local landscape, the pavilion built a comprehensive narrative from a spectrum of analogue applications.
Drawing inspiration from nature
One of the most rewarding experiences when adopting an analogue approach, is drawing inspiration from nature. Visiting some of the last remaining Ghaf forests (clusters) offered valuable insights on the physicality of the trees we were planning on recreating. Walking beneath their canopies, observing light and sound, how the branches and leaves bundled together, seeing how they cast shadows or responded to a gentle breeze were all part of a learning or meditation that helped us emulate that experience with entirely different materials– without being too literal.
Our findings
Tangible and intuitive interaction
Analogue installations provide a tangible and intuitive interaction experience that appeals to our innate human senses. Unlike digital screens, which often create a barrier for interaction or only work through call to actions, the analogue calls out to the intuitive sense and curiosity within us, to touch, noodle and explore. This makes it more universally understood and appreciated, inclusive and accessible to a wider audience.
Connection to nature and materiality
Analog design emphasises the use of natural materials, fostering a deeper connection to the physical environment and promoting sustainability. By incorporating elements such as timber, paper and stone, our installation tried to evoke a sense of authenticity and harmony with nature, aligning with the goals of COP28 and sustainable pavilion experiences.
Greater emotional engagement
Physical installations have the power to evoke emotional responses and create memorable experiences that resonate with visitors on a deeper level. Whether it’s the warmth of sunlight filtering through a canopy of leaves, the sound of water trickling in a fountain, or the texture of a sculptural installation, analogue design engages multiple senses simultaneously, immersing visitors in a rich sensory experience that is difficult to replicate digitally.
Encouraging mindful interaction
Analogue design encourages mindful engagement and reflection by slowing down the pace of interaction and encouraging visitors to be present in the moment. Unlike digital screens, which can be overwhelming and distracting, analogue installations invite visitors to engage with their surroundings in a more contemplative and meaningful way, fostering a deeper appreciation for the pavilion experience and its message of sustainability.
Analogue is sustainable
The Analogue approach naturally encourages a sustainable and cost-effective approach when moving towards implementation. Working around real-world limitations encourages sustainable and efficient design solutions to real-world challenges.
Every build element including the hanging Ghaf tree installation went through a decision tree internally and with the Expo team, finding ways to make the approach and every step of the process as sustainable as possible.
Larger considerations
Some of the larger considerations with our sustainable approach include:
• Sourcing recycled and recyclable materials
• Sourcing locally (to reduce carbon footprint)
• Conserving man-hours and labour-intensive production. (laser cutting and sticking mechanisms)
• Designing shapes and motifs that create minimal wastage (when we cut out leaves)
• Layering and positioning elements that give the illusion of more with less. (Placement of Ghaf fronds and leaves to create more depth perception)
• Leveraging design, using innovative ways to conserve resources throughout the process. (origami to create more volume with less paper)
Material selection and life-cycle analysis
Explore how design choices in materials can significantly impact the sustainability of a pavilion. Discuss the importance of selecting materials with low environmental impact, such as recycled or upcycled materials, and conducting life-cycle analyses to understand the long-term environmental consequences of material choices.
Notes
All timber and papers used on the project were either already recycled materials like chipboard or recyclable post event.
Even the water used in a fountain feature was brought to life though light projections without create spillage or any wastage.
The only non-recyclable material used were five polymer banners that couldn’t be made from fabric or another recyclable material due to time constraints.
Vishnu Pasupathy, Design Director
Moreover, there’s a certain magic in working with the tangible—designing and physically crafting something that invites touch, curiosity, and intuition. In recent years, embracing an analogue approach has allowed me to break free from the sleek, sterile sameness of digital experiences.
Its constraints aren’t limitations; they’re the means for invention, to create something truly authentic.
Featuring some projects where we’ve tried to embrace the analogue and build them into interactive experiences.
