The association consists of the following members: SIA "Inspired", SIA "7 A. M.", SIA "Variant Studio", SIA "Ozols IR", SIA "AD production" and SIA "Datu tehnoloģiju grupa".
A release explaining the decision to opt for this option goes straight for high-concept rumination, stating:
"The winning concept features a unique interactive installation that creates a meditative space, highlighting the interaction between nature, people, and technology. The centerpiece of the design is a green glass wall symbolizing our planet, including the Baltic green forests. Using unique technology, condensation forms on the glass, turning the wall into an interactive platform where every visitor is invited to leave their message. This prompts philosophical reflections on the footprints we leave on the planet during our lives. Each message fades after a few minutes, creating a new platform for the next symbolic ‘footprints,’ thus symbolizing the 21st-century challenge of building a socially responsible and environmentally friendly society. This intuitive experience resonates emotionally with every visitor, regardless of gender, age, language, and religion. It invites us to unite for a better future."
It's basically like drawing on a steamed-up car window with your finger, so the "philosophical reflections" may also include quite a lot of games of Tic-Tac-Toe/Noughts and Crosses.
The use of condensation as a medium is not new – Latvian artist Arturs Anhalts won a prize at the London Design Biennale in 2018 for a similar installation (see bottom of page).
The design competition organized by LIAA and the Lithuanian State Chancellery received 14 designs for the creation of a single Baltic (Latvia and Lithuania) pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan.
According to LIAA, visitors to the pavilion "will be invited on a sensory journey through the Baltic region, providing an unforgettable experience for all senses: the exhibition will be enveloped in the scents of the Baltic forests and soil, complemented by specially composed musical accompaniment from Latvia and Lithuania. The pavilion entrance will be remarkable as well: it is made of smart glass that can change its optical properties. When activated, it forms a unified entrance to the pavilion; when deactivated, it reveals products available for purchase."
The jury responsible for choosing the winner decided that second place went to the design "Trail to Innovation. Walk with us!" by "Bellprat Partner" from Switzerland and third place went to to the design "Health Horizon" submitted by "facts and fiction GmbH" from Germany.
Negotiations will begin with the design contest winner on signing a procurement contract. The project implementation amount is 2 million euros. Additionally, the top three winners of the competition will receive cash prizes: 1st place – 10,000 euros, 2nd place – 7,000 euros, and 3rd place – 5,000 euros.
Expo 2025 will be held in Osaka, Kansai region, Japan, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The fair will bring together 160 countries, and 9 international organizations and is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors from all over the world.
In addition to Latvia's participation in the Baltic Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, a separate business program will be created, where Latvian companies will have the opportunity to participate in sectoral exhibitions, trade missions, visits, and other events, though this business program is still being put together.
However the next event is an informational seminar "On the Road to Japan" which will take place on July 30.
