Only 50 participants of EXPO build own pavilions

Shanghai, 23/1/2009

Approximately 50 out of the 230 participating countries and international corporations will build their own pavilions at the World Exposition, EXPO 2010 in Shanghai.

In exposition areas ranging from 1,000 to 8,000 m², expositors usually intend to present new technologies, sustainable urban development or ecological themes.

Denmark

Creators of the Danish pavilion were looking for common denominators of urban life in Shanghai and Copenhagen. They have discovered two of them which form the spine of their exposition: bicycles and harbour. Architects from BIG Studio (Bjarke Ingels Group) conceived the pavilion as a gigantic loop the visitor passes through on one of the 1,500 bicycles placed near the entrance. There is a pool in the centre of the pavilion, filled with water from the Copenhagen harbour, where those interested can take a swim in. It is dominated by their national symbol, the statue of Little Mermaid from fairytales by Hans Christian Andersen. The facade of the pavilion is decorated by perforated silhouette of Copenhagen. The visitors may experience the lifestyle of the inhabitants of the Danish capital city through picnics on the rooftop. Inside the loop, there will be space for various cultural events and debates.

Norway

Main Theme of the Norwegian pavilion is a sustainable societal development. Architectural studios Helen & Hard, Melvaer & Lien and Sweco Groener designed a structure consisting of 15 bamboo or wooden elements of various dimensions, reminding the visitor of trees. Visitor to the pavilion thus walks through a Norwegian forest (the exposition was named by the authors "Norwegian nature"). The authors wanted to impart to the visitor their credo, saying that the presumption of further development is taking into consideration and emphasizing mutual effects of natural powers. After the exposition ends, they wish to find 15 Chinese cities, where they will place the trees from the exposition as a symbol of friendship.

Finland

The Finnish pavilion for more than 18 million dollars is called Kirnu (a gigantic cauldron), floating in the middle of a lake as a huge bowl. Its creators from JKMN, a Helsinki architectural studio, were inspired by the natural elements that they incorporated in the pavilion's design: rocky shores, fish scales or reflection on the water. The pavilion offers a getaway from the hectic rhythm of the exposition and similarly as in nature, it offers a haven to the inhabitants of today's cities. According to the authors, it should be a miniature of an ideal city. In the city centre, there is a forum, a place for meetings and discussions. Sheer walls, play of lights built into the floor and open skies above the visitors' heads are the basic attributes with which the architects worked. The Finns wanted to offer the EXPO visitors their vision of the "good life." According to them it is made up of six pillars: freedom, creativity, innovation, spirit of community, health and nature. The first three of them are depicted in the sculpture and etheric architecture of the pavilion; innovations are expressed by selected technological solutions and materials (solar panels, natural ventilation through open walls and ceilings, catching rainwater from the roof into an outdoor pool, etc.)

Sweden

Similarly as the representatives of other Nordic countries, the Swedes have chosen the following three key words: innovation, sustainability and communication. Main Theme is the meeting between the city and the nature. The pavilion of 3,000 m² and valued at 10 million dollars will be made of four square modules, organized in their national flag from the top view. Three of them will be dealing with innovative solutions to problems concerning today's cities. The outdoor terrace symbolizes the future. The Swedes promise that the exposition will be based on the "aha effect," meaning an interactive approach to the visitor. Experiences and impressions from the exposition should trigger a thought process over the presented information and thus motivate a discussion. It is directly the discussions, seminars and film projections that should be the spine of all associated projects.

Japan

The harmony between the human heart and technologies is the theme of the Japanese participation at the World Exposition. A literal image of a gigantic, pulsating heart was assumed also by the pavilion itself, which with its 6,000 m² is by far the largest Japanese pavilion at the World Exposition (the Japanese are presenting themselves on larger space than in 2005 at the Exposition in their own country). The exposition will introduce sophisticated ecological technologies which make the world cleaner and human lives much more comfortable. A surprise, which is being kept secret so far, is supposed to be intelligent robots. The structure itself is a presentation of effective and careful use of natural resources; it uses solar batteries and the facade is made of double membrane, which disperses sunrays.

Israel

The pavilion, designed by Haim Dotan Architects Office, comprises of two bodies made of stone and glass which offer different views during day and at night. The intertwined buildings remind one of clasped hands and symbolize a dialog between the man and the nature, person to person as well as nation to nation. The interiors are amorphous upwards, which symbolize the spirituality of the ancient as well as the modern Jewish nation. The guests will be welcomed by the "Whispering Garden" whose trees will be, through a technology, really "whispering" in the English and Chinese languages. The dominant of the "Courtyard of Light" will be a 15 m long projection screen. The visitors will be introduced here to the national successes in various disciplines. The core of the exposition is an audiovisual show which makes it possible for the visitors to communicate with Israeli children, doctors and scientists through hundreds of screens. The pavilion measuring 1,800 m² is estimated to cost 6 million dollars.

Ireland

The authors of the Irish pavilion bet on traditions, historical heritage and proved means. The core of the pavilion of 1,500 m² will be an exposition presenting Celtic arts. The central, circular yard will be towered over by characteristic stone crosses brought over from Irish churches and abbeys which symbolize the Golden Age of Irish culture. It relates a story about Christianization of Europe. Similar exposition was introduced by the Irish at the EXPO 2005 in Aichi. This was the first time they took these items out of the country. They don’t intend to experiment in China and will again offer the mysterious and sacred atmosphere in combination with film and audio teasers from the stunning Irish nature.

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