Based on the theme of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai “Designing a Future Society that Shines with Life,” Junior SDGs Camp (Sustainability Dome) was designed to realize a sustainable society of the future.
1. About the building of the Sustainability Dome
(1) How is the word “sustainability” embodied in the pavilion?
Normally, cement releases CO₂ as it hardens. However, this dome is made of concrete called CUCO-SUICOM, which is a unique combination of micro-cement that hardens by absorbing CO₂ and various other materials. CO2 emissions can be reduced just by building a dome, which is an innovative approach to sustainability based on a different concept compared to the conventional architecture.
The dome-shaped structure is also meaningful. The “KT dome construction method” adopted for the dome realizes a short construction period and low cost.
The dome is designed not only for construction, but also for what to do with it after the Expo is over. The structure allows for the reuse and relocation of building materials. This sets a new standard for sustainable architecture by minimizing the environmental impact of the entire building lifecycle.
(2) Installation of the AI-based air conditioning
Several pavilions, including the Sustainability Dome, has been installing AI-based air conditioning systems to maintain a comfortable indoor environment and energy efficiency. The system automatically adjusts optimal air conditioning settings based on real-time analysis of the number of visitors, outside temperature, and other factors. It is attracting attention as an advanced approach to maintain visitor feel comfortable while reducing environmental impact.
(3) Impressions
The first thing I felt when I visited the dome was a futuristic atmosphere. I was very surprised to know that the seemingly simple form, structure, and materials had their own roles and reasons. CUCO-SUICOM was also used in roads and benches throughout the Expo, and I felt that efforts to reduce CO2 emissions were being made throughout the Expo. I thought the CUCO-SUICOM very practical which is very similar to the concrete used in our daily lives! There were many technologies and ideas that I hope to be applied to other situations in the future. “Too heavy CO₂-SUICOM stamp” and other exhibits were also interesting!
2. Exhibition inside the Sustainability Dome
(1) Touch panels
The Sustainability Dome has touch-panel terminals where we can learn about SDGs, etc. The terminals offer five types of content, including a map of the Expo focusing on resource recycling, decarbonization, and architecture, as well as a quiz on the Expo’s SDGs initiatives. I tried “SDGs Mikke! Expo Monoshiri Quiz.”
Through the quiz, I was surprised to see many new things that I did not know. I will show you a little of what the quiz was like, and I hope everyone reading this article will think about it with me!
Question: At the Sumitomo Museum, you can experience planting a tree. How many years will the trees planted today become “lumber” used to build houses and other structures?
⓵5 years later ②20 years later ③50 years later
The answer is… ③50 years later
Explanation: The building of the Sumitomo Pavilion is also made from trees that everyone planted at the Expo 50 years ago! It takes a long time for trees to grow and become usable as lumber, so we have to take good care of them.
Question: A certain vehicle is part of the Spain Pavilion building. What is it?
① Truck ② Tower crane ③ Bus
The answer is… ②Tower crane
Explanation: Tower cranes are rented and used as part of the framework of the building! They can be returned after the Expo is over, reducing the amount of waste generated when the building is demolished.
Global warming and environmental issues have become more severe recently, making it essential for people to work together to build a sustainable society. I found this content excellent, as we can learn while having fun, especially for children, who are the future generation and should be encouraged to take an interest in these topics. The Sustainability Dome is located in the Future Life Zone near the West Gate. Why not visit and see for yourself?
(2) Riddle solving activity
You can experience riddle solving at the sustainability dome. There were seven riddles in total, starting from inside the sustainability dome and leading out to the exterior of the Life Dynamic Equilibrium Pavilion located in the Signature Pavilion. All the riddles required going to the locations shown on the map or using your brain to solve them, but even as a high school student, I enjoyed solving them. The riddles were related to environment issues and English, so I was able to learn while enjoying.
An English version was also available, enabling people from other countries to solve the riddles too, and children from all over the world were enjoying doing so.
After solving all the riddles, I learned how important it is to protect the Earth and became interested in what I could do. Why not learn more about the environment by solving the riddles hidden around the Expo site, starting from the sustainability dome?
Written by:
- Hideho Kojima, Toyo University Ushiku senior high school, Ibaraki, Japan
- Hiroto Miyamoto, Toyo University Ushiku senior high school, Ibaraki, Japan
- Tsuguha Goto, Himeji Nishi senior high school, Hyogo Japan
- Mana Inoue, Himeji Nishi senior high school, Hyogo, Japan
- Suzu Tamura, Kyoto prefectural Rakusai high school, Japan