Originally designed for the 2025 Osaka Expo and intended for reuse in the Maldives, the Blue Ocean Dome explores the potential of unconventional materials in structural design. The domes use carbon fibre reinforced plastic, laminated bamboo, and recycled paper tubes, none of which are approved for standard building use in Japan. Lightweight and relocatable, the structures use carefully designed mechanical joints tailored to each material, offering a compelling vision for adaptive, low-impact architecture beyond the Expo.
An inventive and materially diverse project that combines carbon fibre reinforced plastic, laminated bamboo, and recycled paper tubes to achieve lightweight, high-strength, and sustainable dome structures. The team demonstrated effective use of a space frame structural system, exceptional craftsmanship in details such as bespoke cross laminated timber ball joints and carried out extensive material testing. Designed for relocation and seismic resilience, it showcases how novel materials and connection design can expand the possibilities for structural engineering.