Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Grand Ring Conquers The Title Of Largest Wooden Structure In The World And Symbolizes The Union Of Innovation And Tradition At Expo Osaka 2025
The Grand Ring, a massive circular wooden walkway extending 2 kilometers, has become one of the main attractions at Expo Osaka 2025, in Japan. The structure was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the “largest architectural wooden structure” on March 4, 2025.
Designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects, the Grand Ring serves as the main thoroughfare for visitors at the Expo site, allowing for smooth flow through the space and protecting people from wind, rain, and sunlight.
According to the official Expo website, the walkway was designed to provide a comfortable and practical experience for the public during the six months of the event.
-
The five healthiest countries in the world have something in common that most people overlook; it’s not advanced medicine, it’s the balance between work and rest that is keeping their populations alive longer.
-
Half-moon-shaped boats challenge strong waves, zigzag to avoid capsizing, and help fishermen cross dangerous areas where common vessels would have difficulty.
-
Nearly 300 Russian companies and more than 5,000 buyers are gathering in China for the 10th bilateral Expo between the two countries, with 500 products launched and 800 new projects presented in Harbin in the week when bilateral trade already exceeds 61 billion dollars.
-
Demolishing a highway that carried 170,000 cars per day to put a stream in its place seemed crazy, but that’s exactly what Seoul did in the early 2000s, creating one of the most studied cases of urban renewal in the world, with nature returning to the heart of the city.
Construction With Japanese Traditional Techniques
The Grand Ring is primarily made of local Japanese cedar and cypress, along with a small amount of imported Scots pine.
The structure is approximately 30 meters wide and has an outer diameter of 675 meters, providing ample space for visitor movement.
One of the highlights of the project is the “Sky Walk,” an elevated area 12 meters high, adorned with flowers, that offers a panoramic view of the Expo and its surroundings.
At night, the structure transforms: warm lights and the texture of the wood create a magical atmosphere, inviting visitors to experience the space from a new perspective.
The construction method used combines modern techniques with the traditional Japanese Nuki joint technique. This technique, often used in shrines and temples, allows wooden pieces to join without nails or screws, reinforcing the cultural character of the work.
Symbol Of The Expo And Global Inspiration
The Expo organization stated that the Grand Ring symbolizes the concept of “Unity in Diversity,” one of the central themes of the event. The structure, in addition to serving as the main traffic artery for visitors, reinforces the spirit of integration and respect for traditions.
Although it was initially planned to be dismantled after the Expo concludes on October 13, 2025, its future remains under discussion.
Japanese authorities are evaluating the possibility of making it permanent and have opened space for local residents to send suggestions for new uses for the Grand Ring.
This situation recalls the story of the Eiffel Tower, which was also originally designed as a temporary structure for an exhibition but became a permanent and world-renowned symbol.
Trend Of Large Wooden Constructions
The Grand Ring represents a global trend in the use of wood in large-scale architectural projects. An example of this is the 9-acre roof of Portland Airport and the tallest wooden skyscraper in the world, located in Milwaukee.
The choice of wood reaffirms its potential as a sustainable and versatile material, capable of combining beauty, strength, and environmental respect in large-scale works.
Another Impressive Record At Expo Osaka 2025
In addition to the Grand Ring, another recent milestone of Expo Osaka 2025 has been recorded. On April 7, 2025, the Guinness World Records recognized “A Synchronization of Air and Water,” at the Water Plaza of the Expo, as the “largest interactive fountain resource” in the world.
The spectacle features around 300 fountains that respond to the gestures and movements of visitors’ hands, creating dynamic patterns of water in the air.
According to the Expo organization, the experience gives visitors the feeling of controlling the fountains as if they were magic, providing moments of surprise and delight.
With information from Interesting Engineering.
-
1 person reacted to this.