Ammonite-Inspired Pavilion Emphasizes the Interrelation of Existence
At this year’s World Expo in Osaka, Japan, attendees are discovering some of the finest architectural, cultural, and artistic advancements from around the globe. Pasona Group’s involvement in the expo is no different, bringing together elements of nature and spirituality alongside interconnectivity and ecology. To Pasona, there is no symbol that embodies these concepts better than an ammonite.
In architectural terms, ammonites provide exceptional avenues for experimentation, inspiring fluid, concentric forms instead of straight lines. In this spirit, Pasona partnered with architect Satoshi Itasaka to create Pasona Natureverse, an expo pavilion made up of two components: a grand shell positioned atop an ammonite. The design is characterized by spiral patterns, forming a striking yet smooth outline, whether viewed from the ground or from above. These motifs of shells and ammonites serve not only as aesthetic elements but also as nods to the cyclical essence of life.
Ammonites existed roughly 400 million years ago, enduring three mass extinction events, including the Ice Age. Revitalizing this ancient creature, frequently seen as a “precursor of life,” connects our contemporary existence to a vastly different era, despite the eons that lie between. Beyond ammonites, spiral patterns are prevalent across a multitude of organic phenomena, from the awe-inspiring typhoon to the minuscule DNA strand. Consequently, Pasona Natureverse engages with various dimensions, incorporating physical scale, historical timelines, and ecological settings.
For Yasuyuki Nambu, Pasona’s CEO and founder, spirals symbolize a “folding together,” where diverse strands intertwine and merge into one, much like a community. He has stated of the pavilion: “This spiral symbolizes an affluent society, where individuals unite towards the pavilion’s aspiration for a world filled with gratitude for life.”
That spirit of community extends into the operational features of Pasona Natureverse. The pavilion employs a water-based cooling system, utilizing a fine film across the roof to enhance evaporative cooling and reduce air conditioning reliance. Rainwater is also gathered and utilized for non-potable purposes within the structure. Appropriately, the pavilion is set to be dismantled and reconstructed on Awaji Island after the expo concludes. Located in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, the island is home to one of the nation’s most remarkable ammonite fossil deposits. The design of the pavilion was significantly influenced by considerations of sustainability and its impact on the natural environment, reinforcing its commitment to community ties.
“Through the pavilion, Pasona aims to forge a society where all individuals, from children to the elderly, are honored and filled with appreciation for life,” a company statement expresses. “Our community is part of the natural order, and humanity’s ongoing survival is owed to nature.”
The 2025 World Expo commenced on April 13, 2025, and is scheduled to end on October 13, 2025. To explore more about Pasona Natureverse and other pavilions, visit the World Expo website.
The Pasona Natureverse pavilion at the Osaka World Expo is inspired by ammonites and shells.
The pavilion’s spiral designs allude to interconnectivity, nature, spirituality, harmony, and ecology.
Pasona Group: [Website](https://www.pasonagroup.co.jp/english/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/pasonagroup_official/?hl=en)
Osaka World Expo: [Website](https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/expo2025japan/)
*My Modern Met has granted permission to showcase photos by Pasona Group.*
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