NORDIC CIRCLE WINS GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2026
 
One more winner!
 
Nordic Circle – the immersive exhibition inside the Nordic Pavilion at World EXPO 2025 Osaka, Japan – has been awarded the German Design Award 2026 in the category Excellent Architecture. Developed and realized by Team EXPONEX. The award was presented in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, on February 6, 2026.
 
“A spatially and atmospherically impressive staging: ’Nordic Circle’ fuses Nordic identity with Japanese aesthetics, creating a memorable environment of calm and encounter. The interplay of subtle materials, charismatic design language and interactive elements fascinates, while the elegant blend of community and individuality convinces. The expressive execution sets a trailblazing, gold-worthy benchmark within the field of Fair and Exhibition.” 
– GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
 
“Coming together, celebrating achievements, sharing learnings, asking questions, and exchanging ideas allows us to build trust and work together to drive meaningful progress and sustainable success worldwide.”
– INNOVATION NORWAY
 
ORGANIZERS
Innovation Norway, Business Iceland, Danish Business Authority, Business Finland, Business Sweden, and The Nordic Council of Ministers
 
CONCEPT & DESIGN
KVORNING
Rintala Eggertsson Architects
Gagarin 
 
PRODUCTION & INSTALLATION
Exponex s.r.o
Wintenex AG
Habegger AG
 
Nordic Circle has received multiple international awards, including:
• German Design Awards 2026 – Excellent Architecture
• ICONIC Awards 2025 Gold – Innovative Architecture
• World Expolympics, EXPO Osaka 2025 – Best Exhibit / Display