This research project was concerned with an interdisciplinary design-based research to an exposition of the world aimed to reveal an inclusive understanding of the world, by the means of architecture.
The research objective found its origin in a critical analysis of the World Expo. It was identified that this phenomenon advertised a Western-centric perspective since its birth in 1851. This means that its way of representing the world excluded and marginalized others. Furthermore, it implies that the model of the World Expo did not change over the past 150 years. So, the opportunity arose to develop an exposition of the world based on another model, for the sake of inclusion.

The project took a position within decolonization theory, which is concerned with the disruption of any ideology of domination. At this point three guiding principles were articulated to lead the design: Interdependence, Multiplicity and Disruption. By using a design-based research method, the project developed from the interaction between theory and practice. In addition, it allowed two disciplines, Architecture and Science Communication, to consolidate in the course of the process.
The design process resulted in Expo Mondo, a patio-pavilion located at numerous cities around the world, where it provides visitors a place to distance from everyday life. Facilitating both a place for self-reflection and an aesthetic experience. The architecture of Expo Mondo performs as a communication mean. This means that the architecture does not house an exhibition, but is the exposition itself. Expo Mondo aims to reveal unity in diversity, by exposing a context specific content through an universal architectural framework.
The universal framework is made of the fundamental elements of architecture: the constructive elements. The patio-pavilion behaves autonomously in its context. In this way it allows itself to be familiar, and yet be distant to its surroundings. Furthermore, the framework takes a both/and approach with regard to spatial opposites. This is determined to be an inclusive approach, because it does not prioritizes one over the other. Instead, the opposites co-exist in a mutual relationship. Expo Mondo concerns, among others, the co-existence of the man-made and the natural, the open and the enclosed, the classical and the neoplastic, the individual and the communal.
Expo Mondo fosters diversity. The design triggers visitors to give multiple interpretations to Expo Mondo, and it allows different types of use. In this way it appeals to various individuals. Furthermore, the content - its nature, sculptures, and visitors - adapts to correspond to local conditions. Hence, the patio-pavilion fits the community and the climate in which it is implemented. As follows, it exposes the local culture. To leave room for interpretation the design of Expo Mondo is left open to some extend. The purpose of patio-pavilion is not mentioned in advance, only the name Expo Mondo is apparent. Additional information on the patio-pavilion can be looked up by visitors on the internet.
Three focus groups were done to test the design of Expo Mondo. The participants represented three different groups of potential visitors. The results were related to the guiding principles of the design. The findings shows that the participants give different interpretations to Expo Mondo, and that not all intentions are recognized. Furthermore, this research has mapped the design process. In this way it provides insight on the integration of two disciplines, theory and practice in one research project. The design-based research method allowed for this integration to happen. The integration already started at an abstract level with the guiding principles.
Lastly, the report concludes by answering main research question, interpreting the findings and discussing the limitations of the research.

This master thesis is the result of a joint graduation project in partial fulfilment of my masters in Architecture and Science Communication, as part of a double degree master program at Delft University of Technology. Additional uploaded documents of this project can be found here: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:e124045b-8d8c-4a3e-ada5-a0f6f1823d98

This research project was concerned with an interdisciplinary design-based research to an exposition of the world aimed to reveal an inclusive understanding of the world, by the means of architecture.
The research objective found its origin in a critical analysis of the World Expo. It was identified that this phenomenon advertised a Western-centric perspective since its birth in 1851. This means that its way of representing the world excluded and marginalized others. Furthermore, it implies that the model of the World Expo did not change over the past 150 years. So, the opportunity arose to develop an exposition of the world based on another model, for the sake of inclusion.
The project took a position within decolonization theory, which is concerned with the disruption of any ideology of domination. At this point three guiding principles were articulated to lead the design: Interdependence, Multiplicity and Disruption. By using a design-based research method, the project developed from the interaction between theory and practice. In addition, it allowed two disciplines, Architecture and Science Communication, to consolidate in the course of the process.
The design process resulted in Expo Mondo, a patio-pavilion located at numerous cities around the world, where it provides visitors a place to distance from everyday life. Facilitating both a place for self-reflection and an aesthetic experience. The architecture of Expo Mondo performs as a communication mean. This means that the architecture does not house an exhibition, but is the exposition itself. Expo Mondo aims to reveal unity in diversity, by exposing a context specific content through an universal architectural framework.
The universal framework is made of the fundamental elements of architecture: the constructive elements. The patio-pavilion behaves autonomously in its context. In this way it allows itself to be familiar, and yet be distant to its surroundings. Furthermore, the framework takes a both/and approach with regard to spatial opposites. This is determined to be an inclusive approach, because it does not prioritizes one over the other. Instead, the opposites co-exist in a mutual relationship. Expo Mondo concerns, among others, the co-existence of the man-made and the natural, the open and the enclosed, the classical and the neoplastic, the individual and the communal.
Expo Mondo fosters diversity. The design triggers visitors to give multiple interpretations to Expo Mondo, and it allows different types of use. In this way it appeals to various individuals. Furthermore, the content - its nature, sculptures, and visitors - adapts to correspond to local conditions. Hence, the patio-pavilion fits the community and the climate in which it is implemented. As follows, it exposes the local culture. To leave room for interpretation the design of Expo Mondo is left open to some extend. The purpose of patio-pavilion is not mentioned in advance, only the name Expo Mondo is apparent. Additional information on the patio-pavilion can be looked up by visitors on the internet.
Three focus groups were done to test the design of Expo Mondo. The participants represented three different groups of potential visitors. The results were related to the guiding principles of the design. The findings shows that the participants give different interpretations to Expo Mondo, and that not all intentions are recognized. Furthermore, this research has mapped the design process. In this way it provides insight on the integration of two disciplines, theory and practice in one research project. The design-based research method allowed for this integration to happen. The integration already started at an abstract level with the guiding principles.
Lastly, the report concludes by answering main research question, interpreting the findings and discussing the limitations of the research.

This master thesis is the result of a joint graduation project in partial fulfilment of my masters in Architecture and Science Communication, as part of a double degree master program at Delft University of Technology. Additional uploaded documents of this project can be found here: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:71b301be-2748-47a7-ae8f-66959d84b887