OSAKA, Japan, 21st August, 2024 (WAM) -- As preparations ramp up for the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka in Japan, the symbolic giant wooden roof, known as the "Grand Ring," was visible in its full circular form at the venue on Wednesday.
Japanese news agency Kyodo News reported that the ring is set to become one of the world's largest wooden structures, with a circumference of approximately 2 kilometres and a maximum height of around 20 metres. According to the expo organisers, construction is expected to continue through February next year.
The area beneath the roof will serve as a main promenade for the expo site, providing shelter from rain and sunlight during the event, which runs from 13th April to 13th October next year. The rooftop of the ring will offer views of the surrounding pavilions of international participants.
After the assembly of the lumber for the wooden structure, a pedestrian slope was completed on the rooftop on Wednesday.
The remaining work includes installing elevators and adding greenery.
The expo organiser is considering recycling parts of the ring's structure after it is disassembled following the conclusion of the world's fair.
Japan will host the World Expo for the third time in the event's 170-year history in 2025, with the international fair expected to draw more than 20 million visitors from around the world to Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay.
The UAE hosted Expo 2020 Dubai from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022 at the Expo City in Dubai.