"Some distinctive works of architecture endure for centuries, becoming iconic parts of the landscape. Others have far shorter lifespans: the "White City" of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago left its mark on architectural history, but the structures built for the event itself didn't endure for very long. The same appears to be true for another striking structure built for an international gathering: the Grand Ring built in Osaka for this year's Expo 2025."
"In an article for The Guardian, Justin McCurry described the structure as a "wooden promenade that encircles the waterfront site" and encompassed 1.24 miles. In March of this year, Guinness World Records named the Grand Ring as the world's largest wooden archiectural structure. It's an impressive feat of design and engineering, to be sure - but it also begs the question of what to do with it now that Expo 2025 is over."
"Think along those lines, except even more pragmatic and unsentimental.As Dezeen's Ned Barker reports, the structure will likely soon become a source of firewood. Sou Fujimoto, the architect behind the project, told Dezeen that around 10% of the structure will remain in place, with another 20% potentially being rebuilt elsewhere. "70 per cent, at least as far as I've heard, they will just demolish and then make it chips for the fuel," he told Dezeen."
Some architectural works endure for centuries while many event-specific structures are temporary. The Grand Ring in Osaka was a 1.24-mile wooden promenade encircling the Expo 2025 waterfront and earned recognition as the world's largest wooden architectural structure. The structure was never intended to be permanent and Expo organizers sought buyers for its lumber. Plans indicate about 10% will remain in situ, 20% may be reconstructed elsewhere, and roughly 70% will be demolished and chipped for fuel. The outcome reflects pragmatic reuse and raises questions about the legacies of large temporary works.
Read at InsideHook
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