International exhibitions and open public spaces: echoes of the times or forerunners?

International Exhibitions (Expos) have long been recognised as dynamic laboratories for architectural and urban design innovation. While the iconic structures and transformative urban strategies of Expos have been extensively studied, the critical role of public open spaces within these global events has received comparatively little attention. This paper contends that Expo open spaces are far more than backdrops for architectural showcases; they are integral to the Expo experience, crucial for managing visitor flow, serving as hubs for social interaction, and experimental platforms for pioneering urban design concepts. Moreover, these spaces often leave a more enduring legacy on host cities than the temporary pavilions themselves. A historical review of Expos through the specific lens of open space design demonstrates how these spaces often have mirrored and shaped broader trends in urban public space design. This study highlights Expo open spaces’ profound and lasting influence on developing urban design principles and practices worldwide by examining their dual role as reflections of contemporary urban ideals and catalysts for innovative urban models.