Tonga exhibition design wins award at World Expo in Dubai [1]
Thursday, March 31, 2022 - 20:08. Updated on Thursday, March 31, 2022 - 23:20.
Tonga won the BIE Gold Award for exhibition design at the Expo 2020 Dubai on March 30, for its “supreme aesthetic functionality with extraordinary visitor discovery”, in the the Opportunity District, Interior Design Category.
The award was received by Tonga's Deputy Commissioner General Sue 'Akau’ola at a grand ceremony on the eve of the closing of the Expo that has run for the last six months.
Tonga’s pavilion provided an interactive experience for visitors where they were taken on a journey around Tonga through the eyes of a child.
Sue said winning this award was a glowing tribute to HM King Tupou VI and HM Queen Nanasipau'u and their important message to the world. This message incorporated into Tonga's display, stressed the importance of educating our children, treasuring our rich culture and most importantly doing our part to rid the planet of plastic waste to ensure future generations can enjoy it, by encouraging environmental and sustainable living. Some of the on-screen interactive experiences in the pavillion included removing rubbish from the ocean in order to free a whale, and colouring in marine life on paper, scanning it and seeing it come to life on the screen.
“The concept of a sending our message through the eyes of a child, while also showcasing the beauty of the Kingdom, came directly from Their Majesties. I was tasked with designing it and thankfully, through the Ambassador's negotiations with the UAE, was provided with contractors to implement the design. It is important to note that the construction of our pavilion was funded by the UAE government,” said Sue.
At the Pavilion a variety of Tongan products were also on display including arts and crafts, books on Tongan culture, and beauty products made by Tongan youth.
The exbition design award was decided by an international panel of nine experts. Tonga won the Opportunity District, Interior Design Category. The silver award went to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the bronze went to Fiji.
Many awards for different categories were presented in the event yesterday.
People can still enjoy a virtual tour of Tonga's pavilion [2] online.
The images and videos displayed in the exhibition were courtesy of the award-winning Australian videographer and photographer, Darren Jew.
“We were also blessed with some absolutely incredible footage from Matafonua Lodge that also highlighted the beauty of our Kingdom,” said Sue. The research team included Sonata Bowen.