The experience
Visitors discovered how living below sea level shaped the Dutch mindset. A four-stage journey moved from iconic innovations to an immersive holographic show, followed by interactive exhibits, hospitality and retail.
Stats
Client: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Organised by: RVO
Design: Hypsos
Location: Astana, Kazakhstan
Event: Expo 2017 Astana
Year: 2017
Area: 400 m²
Our job
Following an extensive tender procedure, Hypsos was selected by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. As general contractor, Hypsos took final responsibility for the concept, design and realisation of the Dutch Pavilion.
Awards
International Design Awards 2017 — Honorable Mention for the Dutch Pavilion at World Expo 2017.
Dutch Pavilion: Low Land, High Energy
How did a country below sea level become a driving force in innovation? The Dutch Pavilion at Expo 2017 used that tension as the starting point for Low Land, High Energy.
Following an extensive tender procedure, Hypsos was selected by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency to develop the pavilion. The ambition was to translate Dutch resilience, ingenuity and energy innovation into a clear and memorable visitor journey.
The experience unfolded in four stages. A bright pre-show presented achievements in science, agriculture, water management and renewable energy. White surfaces, strong black lines and vivid orange and blue accents created a bold graphic language rooted in Dutch design.
The atmosphere then shifted dramatically. Deep blue and violet light placed visitors symbolically below sea level, while a multilayer holographic show combined film, sound and spatial graphics to explore the transition towards future energy.
Hypsos held final responsibility for the concept, design and realisation, coordinating the creative and technical specialists involved. The result was a national pavilion that made the Dutch mindset visible, immersive and easy to understand.
Project credits
Client: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Organiser: RVO
General contractor: Hypsos
Design team: Hypsos
Creative team: Expo Pavilion Group / gestalt
Storyline: ConspiracySinc
Main-show holographic 3D projection: MANN CG
What stage is your project in?
Looking for ideas? We'll help shape your ambitions into a clear direction and inspiring concept.
Ready to develop your project? We'll turn your ideas into a buildable concept and design.
Already have a design? We'll take it from technical development and production to on-site delivery.
Organizations
that trust Hypsos
Brands, agencies and cultural organisations involve Hypsos when creative ambition needs dependable realisation. We work as one responsible project partner or as part of an existing team, bringing clarity and continuity from design development to final delivery.


