Expo 2027

Bringing the Vitality of Minnesota to the World

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Project Location

Bloomington, MN

Area

Approx. 60 Acres

Services

Planning

Event

World Expo 2027

In anticipation of the World’s Fair, five countries – the United States, Thailand, Serbia, Spain, and Argentina – compete for the host selection for The Expo 2027. The U.S. hosted the last World Expo nearly 40 years ago and is now a top contender to host up to 170 countries participating to exhibit their expertise in the theme, “Healthy People, Healthy Planet – Wellness and Well-Being for All.” We serve as the master architect, coordinating the design and installation of service buildings, security offices, logistics facilities, communications hubs, data centers, and other support uses, as well as an advisor to the U.S. Department of State and the 2027 Expo Bid Committee.

The proposed site design is a new development that links existing structures at the Mall of America and the surrounding area. This includes the development of new structures and off-site venues for specialized programming and other amenities to complement the event, all of which are easily accessible by public or private transportation.

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Designing for the Future

Centered around Minneapolis’ identity as the land of the lakes, our design features water as a connector, and the foundation for health and vitality. With a thematic spotlight on health, the plan engages universal design elements to promote an inclusive, welcoming, transit-oriented development.

Designing for the Future

Connection

The Natural World

Physical health, well-being, and cognitive function are all improved through connection to nature; the site plan for Expo 2027 will foster this connection between the existing nature found along the Minnesota River and the Mall of America. The surrounding prairie landscape provides visitors with respite along the existing trails and as they journey through the development. These paths are activated with different experiences, intertwining with entertainment and conference spaces, and then integrating with the Mall of America and its facilities such as a waterpark, hotels, and an arena and exhibition center.

Abstracted artistic collage rendering of children and visitors at the Expo 2027 with architecture

Legacy

Next Steps

The Expo 2027 site is designed to reverse the current trend of today’s resource-draining communities by capturing, storing, and recycling resources that naturally interact with — and are generated by — the site. Post construction, this has the potential to go beyond reducing adverse environmental impacts. While reducing the impact of cities to net zero, Expo 2027’s design reflects how natural patterns and forms within the built environment can benefit the natural environment. After the event, we propose a legacy plan: the facilities will become an innovation center, housing, and airport connectivity that will foster better living in Bloomington, and across all of Minneapolis. The Expo 2027 master plan and design concept has been recognized by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies with the prestigious 2023 American Architecture Award.

gridded master plan with vehicular street divisions and large commercial buildings and tree linings

Press

Forbes Details DLR Group's Master Plan for 2027 World Expo

_{February 24, 2023}

DLR Group is gearing up for the announcement of the World Expo bid winner, as is the rest of the world, with Forbes covering the firm's master plan design for the Bloomington, Minnesota bid. If selected, this will be the first World Expo in the U.S. since the 1980s. The U.S. is competing against Argentina, Serbia, Spain, and Thailand to host the three-month event.

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