The Belgian pavilion

Come and discover the Belgian pavilion, located in the ‘saving lives’ section of the Expo, designed by Carolo architect Cyril Rousseau (Carré 7). This attractive project, built around the theme of water, is a symbol of life and a key issue in building the city of tomorrow.

The general theme of World Expo 2025 is: ‘Designing the future, imagining our life of tomorrow’.

This theme is itself broken down into three sub-themes: ‘saving lives’, ‘inspiring lives’ and ‘connecting lives’.

Belgium has chosen the sub-theme ‘saving lives’ to highlight a number of its strengths: the innovative nature of its businesses, its significant investment in research and development, and its successes in healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, waste treatment and recycling, public health and social and working conditions.

Water, a major issue for everyone, is the symbol chosen by Belgium to illustrate this theme.

The Belgian pavilion unveils itself as an ode to blue gold, showcasing its three states – solid, liquid and gaseous – through architecture that is at once symbolic, immersive and poetic.

• The solid state takes shape in the icebox, a sculptural, closed volume clad in iridescent cladding that captures the light like an ice crystal.
• The liquid state is reflected in a fluid, translucent ramp, made of a vibrating material in motion, evoking the flow of water.
• All around, a water mirror invites visitors to walk along the water, punctuated by small playful jets.

Up high, it’s time for a little elevation:

• The gaseous state is brought to life with an astonishing inflatable structure – ten white ‘clouds’, in a nod to the ten Belgian provinces and the Atomium, float above the pavilion.
• At the end of the ramp, visitors enter the rooftop enveloped in mist, literally walking through the water vapour in a sensory and refreshing experience.

At the centre of this architecture, the heart beats.
A living heart, planted with light, where visitors are invited to reconnect with what’s essential: nature, life and humanity.
A symbolic and soothing passageway, a reminder that regenerating the world starts with regenerating people.

The consortium chosen to build the Belgian pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka includes several key partners:

• Carré 7 (La Louvière) is in charge of the pavilion’s architectural design.
• Pirnay et Poly-tech (Charleroi) focus on structural engineering and special techniques (heating, sanitation, HVAC, etc.).
• Beyond Limits (Japan) provides overall project management.
• Arter (Brussels) works as a landscape architect.
• A-tech (Brussels) is responsible for acoustic studies.
• Nihon Housing (Japan) will take care of the pavilion’s maintenance.
• One Design Solutions (Japan), a Japanese general contractor, is overseeing the construction of the building.
• JMA Architects (Japan) adapted the pavilion to local standards in order to obtain planning permission.

This is not Carré 7’s first major project, having designed Charleroi’s new football stadium. It is, however, its first international project, which in no way frightens this young and dynamic team, who see it as a magnificent opportunity to represent Belgium abroad.

The Walloon subcontractors and sponsors include :

• Wanty (Binche) et Dherte (Namur) will be responsible for dismantling and repatriating the pavilion at the end of the exhibition.
• Lexar Technics (Manage) – Lighting.
• Buzon (Herstal) – Terrace studs.
• Carrière du Hainaut/Pierre Bleue Belge (Soignies) – Outdoor floor coverings.

Under the banner of Human Regeneration, the Belgian pavilion explores the art of restoring, improving and extending human life. It’s an immersive plunge into the heart of tomorrow’s technologies: those that prevent disease, repair the body and push back the frontiers of what’s possible.

Through cutting-edge innovations in biotechnology, medical research and pharmaceuticals, Belgium is establishing itself as a key player in global health.

Inspired by Kintsugi, the Japanese art of sublimating fractures with gold, the scenography celebrates the beauty of transformation, the strength found in broken bones, and the science that brings new life.

Each region reveals its expertise:

• Wallonia and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation are focusing on artificial intelligence applied to health, with an emphasis on digital twins;
• The federal government is highlighting Belgian excellence in vaccines;
• Brussels presents its advances in medical robotics and AI, including intelligent prostheses and new-generation joints;
• Flanders is showcasing its medical innovations at every stage of life, from birth to the end of life.

The pavilion is a reflection of Belgium: visionary, humane and looking to a future where science heals, supports… and sublimates.

BeluBelu, the mascot of the Belgian pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, is a living creature that seems to come straight from the world of science and innovation. Like a playful cell – the building block of all life – BeluBelu exudes growth, connection and transformation. With his friendly appearance and energetic personality, he invites visitors to explore the pavilion and discover the story of ‘Human Regeneration’. More than a mascot, BeluBelu is a living symbol of how Belgium is bringing science and humanity together to create a better future.

Jean-Paul Lespagnard is a multidisciplinary designer, artistic director, and entrepreneur whose work bridges fashion, object design, performance, and interiors. “My design speaks a universal language that transcends stereotypes and connects cultures.” Belgian by origin but global in practice, his creations are shaped by immersion in local cultures, craftsmanship, and continuous exploration. Adopting a nomadic approach, Jean-Paul works across Latin America, Asia, and Europe, drawing inspiration from diverse landscapes and embracing boundary-pushing collaborations. Enter his world—where creativity moves freely and borders disappear.

Jean-Paul Lespagnard brings his creative vision to the Belgian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, designing the official outfits for the pavilion’s host team throughout the entire exhibition. His involvement will also shine during the Wallonia-Brussels Week, where he will present a unique scenography featuring exclusive creations—promising an unforgettable experience for visitors during this special event.