Deep Blue Pavilion

The United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) is a major international event dedicated to the protection and sustainable management of the world’s oceans. The 2025 edition, held in Nice, France, brings together global leaders, scientists, NGOs, and innovators to accelerate ocean action in support of SDG 14 – Life Below Water. As part of this global initiative, OceanX and its partners created an immersive pavilion to raise public awareness about the deep sea’s vital role and the urgent need to protect it.

The Deep Blue Pavilion shines a spotlight on the extraordinary biodiversity of the deep-sea and highlights the urgent need to continue exploring, researching, and protecting this vital realm. By placing deep-sea ecosystems at the center of the global ocean dialogue, the pavilion invites visitors to discover why these ancient and fragile habitats, home to some of the planet’s most unique life forms, deserve increased attention, understanding, and protection in the face of growing human impact.

Designed as a guided experience, the pavilion offers a journey through one of the least-known regions of the Earth, featuring immersive storytelling, interactive presentations, and innovative design showcasing the complexity, diversity, and mystery of the deep. Together, the Deep Blue Pavilion partners aim to foster a deeper appreciation for this vast, hidden world beneath the waves and to spark curiosity about the crucial role it plays in our planet’s health with the ultimate goal of inspiring visitors to become advocates for its protection. This pavilion was both a real challenge and an absolute pleasure to design. I had less than 2 months to imagine this space and produce it from initial brief to delivery before the event’s opening: a true race against time. With a very tight schedule established early on, I quickly began developing the initial concept, starting with a zoning layout and moodboards to define the spatial narrative. Highlighting the crucial work of NGOs was a key part of the concept. Their scientific discoveries and ongoing advocacy needed to be brought to the forefront, reinforcing the importance of research and raising public awareness about the need to protect these unique environments.