The Grand Ring: World’s Largest Wooden Structure Faces Dismantling After Expo 2025

The Grand Ring, the world’s largest wooden structure designed by Sou Fujimoto for Expo 2025 Osaka, is now being dismantled—despite hopes it could become a lasting architectural landmark. Built as a two-kilometer-long circular structure enclosing the expo site, the project covered more than 61,000 square meters and represented a rare fusion of contemporary modular construction and traditional Japanese timber techniques.

What Happens to The Grand Ring After Expo 2025

Although The Grand Ring was conceived as a temporary structure, its future remained undecided until after the expo concluded in October 2025. Demolition began in early December, with only a 200-meter segment—around 10 percent of the structure—expected to remain.

According to Sou Fujimoto, up to 70 percent of the dismantled timber may be burned and converted into fuel chips. Around 20 percent could be carefully dismantled and transported for reuse elsewhere, though no final confirmation has been issued by Osaka or Expo authorities.

Sustainability Concerns Surrounding The Grand Ring

Fujimoto has openly criticized the plan to incinerate most of The Grand Ring, calling it “the worst thing to do.” While some officials consider burning the wood a form of reuse, the architect argues that this approach falls behind global sustainability standards.

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition committed only to reusing materials “as much as possible,” and an auction of the structure’s lumber was held shortly after the expo ended. Earlier statements suggested that timber might be repurposed for public housing following natural disasters—but these plans remain uncertain.

Traditional Craft Meets Modular Design

One of the defining qualities of The Grand Ring lies in its construction system. The structure combines modern modular logic with traditional Japanese joinery, including nuki joints—horizontal beams slotted through vertical posts without metal fasteners.

This method allows damaged elements to be replaced individually and enables easy disassembly, transport, and reconstruction. The same technique has been used for centuries in Japanese temples and shrines, some of which have stood for over a thousand years.

Could The Grand Ring Have Lasted 100 Years?

Sou Fujimoto believes The Grand Ring could have remained standing for 50 to 100 years with proper maintenance and weather protection. Inspired by structures like the Eiffel Tower—originally temporary but later preserved—the architect hoped public affection for the project might justify its long-term survival.

While maintenance costs and exposure to the elements posed challenges, Fujimoto argues that Japan’s history of long-lasting wooden architecture proves durability was achievable. Ultimately, however, political decisions outweighed architectural ambition.

Written by Otávio Santiago, a multidisciplinary designer exploring the intersection of emotion, form, and technology. His practice spans graphic, motion, and 3D design, bridging digital and physical experiences.