A 1,200 m² pavilion for the largest World Urban Forum to date, attracting more than 50,000 visitors.

Client: UN-Habitat

An exhibition pavilion inspired by one of nature’s most universal forms: the spiral.

Created for the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku, the pavilion translated the theme Housing the World into a series of large-scale spiral structures. From snail shells to our galaxies, the spiral appears across nature, culture and architecture. This recurring form became the organising principle of the pavilion and a physical interpretation of how humans create shelter, connection and belonging.

The spirals guided visitors through themes such as housing, urban development and youth engagement while creating a sequence of spaces for exhibitions, meetings and events. Acting as both exhibition walls and architecture, they transformed information into a spatial experience and became a central gathering point within the Urban Expo.

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Facts / Event: World Urban Forum 13, Baku, Azerbaijan. Concept and design: Maiken Lyster Thonke, LYSTH. Production and implementation: Serenas/ GL Events and partners.

Photo credit on this page: UN-Habitat, LYSTH and partners.