Pavilion Atlas 2026

Paulo Flores is Director at London-based Zaha Hadid Architects. Paulo received his bachelor's degree in architecture from the Ibero-American University in Mexico City in 2003. He then gained his master's degree in parametric and digital design from the Design Research Lab at the Architectural Association in London in 2007. Since 2011, Paulo has lectured extensively in Latin America, Europe and China and is a regular invited Critic for the Architectural Association and a wide range of universities and architectural programs.

Andrew Mason has an international career in construction and real estate spanning over 30 years, specifically with high-value multi-jurisdictional and complex projects across a wide range of sectors and has worked with government, family office, private and public sectors. He was most recently Head of Project Finance for National Projects Office (UAE Government) and currently works as Director of Contracts for Calatrava International, based in Dubai.

Will Plowman is a Partner at Foster + Partners and currently leads the Dubai office of the firm. He earned his degree in architecture from the University of Newcastle and London Metropolitan University, graduating in 2007. Before joining Foster + Partners, he gained valuable site experience working on award-winning residential and educational projects, such as Crouch Hill in London and the UK's first zero-carbon in-use school. Joining Foster + Partners in 2011, Will has worked on several high-profile projects around the world, including the Brooklin Tower in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which showcases sustainable design. As the head of the Dubai office, he has worked closely with the operator and client team for the design and delivery of LANA by Dorchester Collection, a luxury hotel and branded residences development that features seven stunning gardens. Will has been instrumental in the success of this project. With a passion for design and a commitment to excellence, Will has lived and worked in various countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Australia, and the UK, gaining invaluable international experience that has enriched his work. His dedication to his craft and extensive experience in the field have made him a valuable asset to the architectural community.

Eli Synnevåg is a Senior Architect and Director for Acquisition at Snøhetta. Eli started in Snøhetta in 2000, working as Senior Architect and Project manager on a wide range of national and international projects, like KMD Academy of Fine Art Bergen and King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) KSA. Since 2016 she has been in a leading role in Snøhetta with team management, research, and development. From 2019 as Director of Acquisition and Team lead, with responsibility for Snøhetta project portfolio in the Middle East and Africa. In addition to her architectural practice, she has been teaching and invited critics at AHO, NTNU, and ETSAV, giving lectures internationally about Snøhetta's work and philosophy, and being a jury member for architectural design competitions. Snøhetta is an integrated architecture, landscape, interior, product design and graphic design firm based in Oslo, New York, Innsbruck, Paris, Adelaide, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and San Francisco. Since 1989, Snøhetta has established itself as a world-famous practice of urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, product and brand design.

Murat Tabanlıoğlu is an Architect and Founder of +MURAT TABANLIOĞLU (RIBA, Int’l Assoc. AIA). Educated at the Vienna University of Technology, Murat Tabanlıoğlu explores the intersection of infrastructure, culture, and collective memory through architecture. His works—ranging from the reimagined Atatürk Cultural Center and the luminous Milas-Bodrum Airport to Istanbul Sapphire and the revived Haliç Shipyard—connect people, place, and time. Award-winning projects such as Loft Gardens (RIBA 2011), Bodrum Airport (RIBA 2013), and the Beyazıt State Library (Mies van der Rohe finalist 2017, Aga Khan finalist 2019) reflect his commitment to contextual intelligence and emotional resonance. Beyond architecture, he engages with cultural discourse: curating Places of Memory for the Venice Biennale (2014), Port City Talks in Antwerp (2015), and presenting housEmotion in Milan, London, and Dubai. Through his studio +MURAT TABANLIOĞLU, he continues to merge heritage and innovation, crafting architecture as both a human narrative and a future-facing vision.

Belinda Tato, a Spanish architect and founding partner of Ecosistema Urbano, has been a professor at Harvard GSD since 2010. Renowned for her innovative approach to urban design and regeneration, she earned her architecture degree from the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Tato later studied at The Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London. Her firm, Ecosistema Urbano, designed the Eco-boulevard of Ensanche de Vallecas, incorporating air trees to create a microclimate. This project, funded by the European Union’s LIFE Program and the Municipal Housing and Land Company of the Madrid City Council, was completed between 2004 and 2005. Throughout her career, Tato has shown a particular interest in engaging the community in urban design and planning processes.

Andrew Whalley, Chairman at Grimshaw, has played a pivotal role at the practice since its inception, spearheading transformative projects across diverse sectors, including education, performing arts, culture, sports, infrastructure, transportation, workplace design, and industrial design. Andrew has consistently been dedicated to education and academia throughout his career. In the UK, he taught at the Royal College of Art Industrial Design Department, led a unit at the Architectural Association, and lectured at University College London. Most recently, he concluded his tenure as an Adjunct Professor at Milan’s POLIMI. His contributions include numerous academic publications on topics such as specialist structures, sustainability, smart cities, and urban design. Andrew also advises the UN-affiliated Consortium for Sustainable Urbanization. In 2011, Andrew was appointed Deputy Chairman of Grimshaw, ascending to Chairman in 2019, succeeding Sir Nicholas Grimshaw. As Chairman, Andrew oversees the practice’s core design ethos, brand identity, and global relationships. Andrew is a registered architect in the UK and USA. He has received several prestigious honours, including an Honorary Doctorate from his alma mater, the Glasgow School of Art. Andrew received an OBE in Queen Elizabeth’s New Year Honours List, 2022, recognising Andrew’s services to architecture and environmental sustainability.