When people think of Switzerland, many may picture the country’s rich natural landscapes, symbolized by Heidi, Girl of the Alps. However, at the Expo, Switzerland is showcasing much more. At the Swiss Pavilion, numerous exhibits will be showcased under the catchphrase “From Heidi to High-Tech,” highlighting Switzerland’s values and technologies. The pavilion itself, designed to resemble floating soap bubbles, creates a magical atmosphere. In an exhibition room where floating soap bubbles appear, visitors will have an emotional experience as their dreams and thoughts about the future are projected as digital art through AI technology, shared with many others. Additionally, at the “Heidi Café”, you can enjoy Swiss dishes with a Japanese flair. Join Heidi on a journey that blends Swiss tradition with innovation!
⇒More details about the pavilion
In January 2025, the Expo Social Media reporting team visited the Swiss pavilion, which was under construction. We were warmly welcomed by Manuel Salchli along with his team members. The atmosphere was friendly and open, setting the perfect stage for them to share their thoughts on the pavilion and the aspirations of the Swill people.
“We want to honor the familiar image of Heidi that many Japanese people cherish while also showcasing Switzerland’s advancements in innovation and technology,” said Salchli. With that in mind, we began unraveling the vision behind this bubble-like pavilion and the future it represents.
-One of the most striking features of the Swiss pavilion is its spherical architecture. What do these spheres represent?
Manuel: These four spheres symbolize Values, Vision, Anticipation, and Joy. By traveling through them, visitors will experience From Heidi to High-Tech—a journey that starts with the traditional Alpine image of Switzerland and transitions to its global role as a hub of cutting-edge technology.
Switzerland previously participated in 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan. Now, 20 years later, we are designing this pavilion under the theme “From Heidi to High-Tech.” We hope visitors will not only appreciate Swiss traditions but also discover the nation’s remarkable technological innovations.
ｰThe transparent architecture also showcases Swiss technology, right?
Manuel: This pavilion is made of ultra-lightweight materials, making it the most ecologically sustainable structure that Switzerland ever built for a world expo. The membrane of each sphere weighs less than 400 kg—only about 1% of the weight of conventional building materials. This significantly reduces transportation and construction burdens, as well as CO2 emissions. This sustainable and open-concept pavilion provides an interactive space where visitors can reflect on their dreams and the future . For this project, we collaborated with KYOTO Design Lab at Kyoto Institute of Technology to measure the building’s weight and overall environmental impact in detail.
-Why were the soap bubble motif and the theme of “lightness” chosen?
Manuel: The Swiss pavilion architect Manuel Herz aimed to create a structure that seamlessly integrates with nature. He wanted to explore how the natural and artificial worlds can coexist in the future. The soap bubble motif aligns with this concept. These transparent spheres naturally filter sunlight, creating a comfortable space inside. Outside the pavilion, wisteria vines will be planted, gradually covering the spheres in greenery. Wisteria, which blooms blue flowers febrile times a year, is originally native to Japan but is also beloved in Switzerland. By the time the Expo begins, these vines will flourish, adding a beautiful, natural touch to the pavilion.
-Tell us about the kind of experience visitors can have.
Manuel: The first sphere will show Swiss culture and technological innovation through beautiful paper cutwork. Visitors can enjoy and follow these stories while looking for “Heidi”, who appears in various places. In the second sphere, you can experience filling floating soap bubbles like art with the “dreams” of each visitor and making them fly. In the third sphere, we plan to exhibit three themes: “Augmented Human,” “Life,” and “Planet”. These exhibits will be switched periodically (approximately every two months), so we hope you will visit the pavilion many times. In the fourth sphere, visitors’ dreams and futures will be projected, and then a rainbow and “Heidi” will appear.
-Floating soap bubbles and projections of the future… it sounds like a wonderful experience!
Manuel: Of course! We have prepared by conducting various technical tests, so I believe we will be able to show you something that has never been seen before. We aim to create something that is not just a one-way exhibition, but one that allows visitors to share their thoughts and experiences interactively. We wanted to express the wonderfulness of aiming for the future while sharing values with others.
-How were the three themes of “Augmented Human,” “Life,” and “Planet” selected?
And What specifically will be on display?
Manuel: These themes are based on the theme of Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.
The decision was made after surveying Swiss startups, universities, and institutions to make the content interesting for people in Japan.
The first theme, “Augmented Human”, will focus on AI and robotics for the first two months of the exhibition. The second theme, “Life”, will address issues related to life sciences and aging societies, which are of particular importance to both Switzerland and Japan. The final theme, “Planet”, will showcase Swiss innovations for sustainable development.
-I’ve also heard that there will be limited-time events.
Manuel: Although details cannot be revealed yet, in parallel with the pavilion exhibition, Switzerland is planning a dynamic and engaging program of events. A wide variety of activities will be offered to the general visitors while exploring the three major themes of the Expo. We also provide a place for companies, start-ups, and academic experts to actively interact.
-Heidi makes an appearance at the final part of the pavilion this time. What role does she play?
Manuel: I think Japanese people are familiar with “Heidi, Girl of the Alps” and I hope that they will see it with a sense of familiarity. Based on her image in the story, many people will see her as a symbol of Switzerland’s abundant nature. However, not only that, but throughout the story, “Heidi” interacts with people of various ages, lifestyles, and ways of thinking. She is a bridge that connects diverse ways of life in a city full of nature and technology.
-I’m also looking forward to Heidi Café just past the pavilion. We are looking forward to not only the view but also the food. I heard they have Swiss Japanese fusion dishes.
Manuel: This café is also recommended as a photo spot, and we will also be serving delicious Swiss wines and dishes made with Japanese ingredients and cheese. In the shop, we will sell a very special “KitKat” limited edition, made of double cream and raspberry. It is very tasty, don’t miss a chance to have a try!
-To the visitors who are looking forward to this event, please give us a message!
Manuel: Our Swiss pavilion has always focused on welcoming a diverse range of people.
The themes of the exhibits might seem a little difficult to grasp, but there is no target age group, and we believe that visitors will be able to enjoy them from their perspective.
We promise a memorable experience for everyone, including those who are interested in Switzerland’s traditions, innovation, and “Heidi”. We look forward to meeting families, the elderly, students, businesspeople, school representatives and all the visitors.
