Delivering the full AVL infrastructure for the Portugal Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka was more than a technical task for ON, the company responsible for the pavilion’s complete AV integration and daily operation. It became a complex, high-stakes undertaking that tested the team’s creativity, adaptability, and resilience at every level.

From the outset, the project posed logistical and cultural challenges. Equipment had to be procured brand-new in Portugal, tested and palletized for international shipment, and imported to Japan under tight deadlines and strict customs protocols. Weather conditions on-site were harsh, with freezing temperatures, constant rain, and strong winds disrupting the early construction phases and requiring frequent adjustments to schedules and installation methods.

The multilingual and multicultural nature of the team added another layer of complexity. Daily coordination involved Portuguese, Japanese, Italian, and Brazilian professionals working side by side. Meetings were held in multiple languages, with simultaneous translation and real-time decision-making often needed to align all disciplines—from scenography and civil construction to AV integration.

Along the way, the team faced a number of technical and logistical challenges typical of a project of this scale. From last-minute adjustments to integration issues, ON assumed full responsibility for ensuring every system functioned seamlessly. The team often went beyond the original scope of work—adapting components, refining installation details, and responding quickly on-site to keep the project on track and up to the expected standards.

Beyond the technical scope, ON’s team played a central role in problem-solving across disciplines—coordinating with scenographers, stepping in to resolve structural setbacks, and supporting event production for live shows and diplomatic visits. Their ability to bridge gaps between technical design, content deployment, and real-time execution was instrumental to the Pavilion’s success.

Room 2, the Pavilion’s immersive climax, was particularly demanding. The curved walls and low ceiling created a challenging projection environment. ON used a fully 3D-modeled workflow in Watchout, synchronizing 16 Barco projectors and lighting effects across a seamless underwater landscape. The integration of AVL control into a tablet-based interface allowed a single operator to manage audio, lighting, and video simultaneously—an innovation that significantly improved operational efficiency.

The team also had to adapt to local customs and regulations. In Japan, for example, no work boots or shoes are allowed indoors; ON’s technicians installed complex AV systems while wearing slippers or barefoot in near-zero temperatures. The absence of public trash bins meant carrying waste back to accommodations, and dietary adjustments were needed throughout the two-month stay. These details, while small, shaped a deeper understanding of cultural context and professionalism.

Throughout the six-month journey, ON prioritized team well-being as much as technical excellence. Pocket heaters, hot drinks, and shared moments outside of work helped build morale. A spirit of mutual support and constant communication proved essential, especially during long days of overlapping responsibilities, rehearsals, and live events.

More than a showcase of technical capability, the Pavilion stands as a demonstration of how integrated audiovisual systems can shape cultural storytelling on a global platform. Its success highlights the critical role of AVL in translating complex themes into shared public experiences — and positions the project as a reference point for future international exhibitions.