Yesterday, July 22nd, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and the State Chancellery of the Republic of Lithuania announced the winner of the design contest for the Baltic Pavilion at the international exhibition "Expo 2025 Osaka", after revealing transcripts of mottos. The design "AAA333" with the slogan "We are One", submitted by KETTLER association of persons, won the first place and a prize of 10,000 euros. The association of persons includes Ltd. "Inspired", Ltd. "7 A.M.", Ltd. "Variant Studio", Ltd. "Ozols IR", Ltd. "AD Production", and Ltd. "Datu Tehnoloģiju Grupa".
The winning concept features a unique interactive installation that creates a meditative space, highlighting the interaction between nature, people, and technology. The centerpiece of the design is a green glass wall symbolizing our planet, including the Baltic green forests. Using unique technology, condensation forms on the glass, turning the wall into an interactive platform where every visitor is invited to leave their message. This prompts philosophical reflections on the footprints we leave on the planet during our lives. Each message fades after a few minutes, creating a new platform for the next symbolic ‘footprints,’ thus symbolizing the 21st-century challenge of building a socially responsible and environmentally friendly society. This intuitive experience resonates emotionally with every visitor, regardless of gender, age, language, and religion. It invites us to unite for a better future.
Visitors to the pavilion will be invited on a sensory journey through the Baltic region, providing an unforgettable experience for all senses: the exhibition will be enveloped in the scents of the Baltic forests and soil, complemented by specially composed musical accompaniment from Latvia and Lithuania. The pavilion entrance will be remarkable as well: it is made of smart glass that can change its optical properties. When activated, it forms a unified entrance to the pavilion; when deactivated, it reveals products available for purchase.
Iveta Strupkāja, Chairperson of the jury commission: "This time, the competition attracted a wide range of participants. We received many professional and content-rich applications. The design "AAA333" convinced not only with its precise alignment with the exhibition's theme and goals but also with its ability to find and highlight what unites Latvia and Lithuania: a strong culture and traditions, a quality living environment, and the ability to create innovative solutions using unique technologies."
The design contest organized by LIAA and the State Chancellery of the Republic of Lithuania received 14 designs for a joint Baltic (Latvian and Lithuanian) pavilion at "Expo 2025 Osaka" in Japan. Contestants had to submit a conceptual idea, spatial vision development, and a project implementation plan that aligns with the exhibition's central theme, "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," and the goal of creating an exhibition based on participation, oriented towards experience and solution creation. The submitted works were evaluated by a jury from Latvia and Lithuania: Iveta Strupkāja, Deputy Director of LIAA for Export; Edmunds Valantis, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia; Zane Biteniece, Head of Country Branding Division of LIAA; Reinis Liepiņš, architect, founder of the architectural firm "Sudraba Arhitektūra," member of the Latvian Association of Architects; Jūlija Reklaite, Director of the Lithuanian Culture Institute; Andrius Geležauskas, Project Manager of "Expo 2025 Osaka" at the State Chancellery of the Republic of Lithuania; Egle Kudzmaniene, Advisor at the Communication Department of the State Chancellery of the Republic of Lithuania, Rūta Nemunīte, Marketing and Communication Director at "Invest Lithuania"; and Gintaras Balčytis, Chairman of the Lithuanian Association of Architects. The jury was advised by Ilze Paklone, a Doctor of Architecture, who has also conducted her doctoral studies at the University of Tokyo and has gained teaching experience at Keio University in Japan.
The jury awarded the honourable second place to the design "Trail to Innovation. Walk with us!" by "Bellprat Partner" from Switzerland. The idea is based on a close connection not only between Latvia and Lithuania but also between nature and innovation. The design's concept revolves around two themes, "Magic of Nature" and "Human Willpower." It invites celebrating the beauty of nature, discovering it with all senses, while also following the path to the future. The pavilion's central element is a real birch forest, which visitors can walk through on winding paths, crossing water bodies, inhaling the fresh scent of grass, and observing sunrises and sunsets. Walking along the paths, visitors can participate in five interactive stations: sounding stones, singing shells, a blazing campfire, a pond as a portal, and intuitive amber.
Third place was awarded to the design "Health Horizon" submitted by "facts and fiction GmbH" from Germany. The design highlights that Latvia and Lithuania are known not only for their stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and dynamic culture but also as pioneers of the digital society. Two key elements for a healthy life are that nature reduces stress and improves well-being, while digital achievements create efficient systems and enhance medical care. The pavilion's activities are based on both natural and digital experiences, demonstrating how the natural world harmoniously coexists with technological innovations, promoting a healthy and fulfilling life. Health Horizon – integrating the biosphere and technology throughout life.
Negotiations will begin with the design contest winner on signing a procurement contract. The project implementation amount is 2 million euros. Additionally, the top three winners of the competition will receive cash prizes: 1st place – 10,000 euros, 2nd place – 7,000 euros, and 3rd place – 5,000 euros.
"Expo 2025 Osaka" is the world's most significant exhibition for national image building and export capacity promotion, addressing not only economic but also globally important social issues. The exhibition will take place in Osaka, Kansai region, Japan, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. It will feature 160 countries, 9 international organizations, and is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors from around the world.
In addition to Latvia's participation in the Baltic Pavilion at "Expo 2025 Osaka", a separate business program will be developed, offering Latvian companies the opportunity to participate in industry exhibitions, trade missions, visits, and other events. More information about participation opportunities will follow, as the business program is currently in the preparation stage.
The next event is an informational seminar "On the Road to Japan." The seminar will take place on July 30, organized by the LTRK in cooperation with LIAA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
