Project: Chinese Private Enterprise Pavilion
         Expo 2010 Shanghai China
Author: ASATSU-DK INC.
        KEIKAKU Inc.
        Beijing Caien Architect Institute Co., Ltd.
        ANS International Design & Consulting Pty. Ltd.
Location: Shanghai, China
Exhibitor: Fosun Group + 15 private enterprises

Funded by private companis the Chinese Private Enterprise Pavilion Covers 6,000 square meters on the Puxi side of the Expo site, and explores the theme of “Infinite Vitality” and ilustrate the funding companies visions about the future. The pavilion uses cutting-edge technology to give visitors a spectacular interactive experience encompassing the energy and spirit of Chinese private companies, their creativity and lifestyle. Chinese private companies feature creativity, innovation, challenge and passion.

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

Hungary inveiled the design for their pavillion for next year’s Shanghai World Expo, designed by Tamás Lévai. Gömböc, as a hungarian invention, is the central element of the exhibition, a two meter high solid plexiglass moving object.

What is Gömböc (pronounced as ‘goemboets‘)? ‘Gömböc’ is the first known homogenous object with one stable and one unstable equilibrium point, thus with two equilibria altogether on a horizontal surface. It can be proven that no object with less than two equilibria exists. The discovery of the inaccessible path has led to the idea of GÖMBÖC. The pavilion as wood is intended to represent this path, and since it is of immaterial nature, we are trying to evoke it with non materials: empty space, light and sounds.

EMPTY SPACE
GÖMBÖC, as a distinguished pebble analogy, helps to understand empty space and to recognize its uniqueness and greatness. In order to represent it in architecture, we had to combine features that are used by both mathematics and architecture: homogeneity, abstraction, dynamics and playfulness. The buffer space behaves as a wood opening, being created from a three dimensional matrix of vertically moving wooden sound tubes.

The phenomenon as a whole can only be seen in our mind, mainly as a play of light and shadows while moving in space.

NATURAL LIGHTS
The sunshine is reflected on the light, glossy floor and illuminates the entire structure from beneath.
Outdoor there would be a pipe structure, functioning as a ‘curtain’, in which water is circulated with air bells.

ARTIFICIAL LIGHTS
Light sources are built into the wooden sound tubes as stars in the sky.

SOUNDS
The wooden installation in itself is like a musical instrument, tubes are sound-boxes.

AFTERLIFE OF THE ARCHITECTURAL INSTALLATION
The appearing elements in the exhibition space constitute a harmonic unity in them, embodying the phenomenon that is created through the structur, it raises the opportunity of open-air exhibition with the moving light-sound-space, as a synthesis of nature.

Pinche aquí para ver el vídeo

Via: Arch Daily

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

The France Pavilion, designed by Jacques Ferrier and his team, provides a unique opportunity to reinforce France’s image in China. All the talents and financial forces will be gathered to make it real, said French President Nicolas Sarkozy in a statement when he decided to pick this design.

The France Pavilion is unique in terms of both form and technologies. It will present France’s contribution in the sustainable urban development for one of the biggest economic metropolises in the planet, Sarkozy said. He said the pavilion would use the most advanced building materials and environmental protection technology. It will be a shining example of energy efficiency and recycling techniques, according to the official Website of French Pavilion.

The model of the selected design has been on display in the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, along with other three prize-awarded works in the design competition of France Pavilion.  The final design “the Sensual City,” selected from 49 candidates, presented a simple building with a big French-style garden inside. Surrounded by water, it appears to be floating, said Jose Freches, president of COFRES, the company in charge of France’s participation.

The French government has allocated a record 50 million euros (552 million yuan) budget for the national pavilion. “As far as I know, it is the highest among all participants,” said Xu Bo, director of the International Participation Department of the Bureau of World Expo Coordination. At least 80 percent of the total budget will be used in constructing the 6,000-square-meter pavilion, said Freches.

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

Flying kites on a warm sunny day is a favorite activity for children all across the world. At the World Expo Shanghai next year, those sweet childhood memories can be recalled at the Mexico Pavilion. People will see no building, but a 4,000-square-meter area covered in grass with hundreds of colorful Mexican kites flying in the sky.

Visitors can read a book, have a picnic or simply relax on the grass under the shade of the kites. They can also buy a traditional Mexican-style kite from the pavilion and fly it to recall the fun of their childhoods. You can even learn how to make a unique Mexican kite as the souvenir.

The country’s pavilion will be a “Kite Forest.”

It will be a green slope with a total of 135 kites being flown over it. Seen from afar it will look there are hundreds of people flying kites together.

The kites, to be made in eco-friendly plastic, will be in red, pink, yellow, green and blue, to make the pavilion one of the most colorful Expo exhibits. The kites will be about 8 meters long and 4 meters wide, larger than normal kites, and supported by poles each 3 meters to 13 meters tall.

Construction began on the pavilion and a dozen children from Mexico and China planted colorful Mexican kites on the top of poles on the foundations of the pavilion to celebrate the ground-breaking.

Kites represent the idea of flying and are the strength that unites the Mexican and Chinese cultures, said Eduardo Seldner, commissioner general of the Mexico Pavilion.

The kite originated in China and is popular in Mexico.  The name for kite in Mexican is nahuatl, which also means butterfly.

The design envisions a future with spaces specifically planned, thought and designed for relaxation, as well as recovery of parks and green areas, where new generations may find themselves in a city that offers them a better life, said Edgar Ramirez, the pavilion’s architect. “The square is the heart of the pavilion. It is the representation of the future vision for the kids from Mexico,” Seldner said.

However, the pavilion will be more than a square for fun. The exhibition area will be a two-story area under the square.  The pavilion will showcase Mexico’s culture, landscapes, cities and the ancient Maya civilization.  Some cultural relics of the Maya will be exhibited.  Once inside the main exhibition area, visitors will be taken on a chronological journey through the history of Mexico from the pre-Hispanic era to proposals for the future, the commissioner general said.

Pinche aquí para ver el vídeo

The pavilion is a monolithic steel structure designed as a double spiral taking the visitors from the ground and through two curves up to a level of 20 metres and down again. The spiral lightly touches the ground floor, which encircles a paddling pool with the Little Mermaid in the centre.

The roof is covered in a light blue artificial material, known from Danish cycle paths. Inside, the floor also features the blue cycle path where the bikes pass through the building.

The steel of the facade is perforated in a pattern that creates the silhouette of a Danish metropolis. From the outside, the pavilion’s inner life shines through in the shape of the silhouettes of cyclists and pedestrians as they pass by.

From BIG
The Danish pavilion should not only exhibit the Danish virtues. Through interaction, the visitors are able to actually experience some of Copenhagen’s best attractions – the city bike, the harbor bath, the nature playground and an ecological picnic.

With the pavilion we relaunch the bike in Shanghai, as a symbol of modern lifestyle and susteinable urban development. The pavilion’s 1,500 city bikes are offered for general use to the visitors during EXPO 2010. After the world exhibition it can be moved and relocated in for example Peoples Park – as a transferium for the bikes of Shanghai.

A harbor bath is located in the heart of the pavilion, filled with seawater from Copenhagen harbor. It is the original Little Mermaid sculpture visiting China as a specific example of the idea that the Danish pavilion offers the real experience of the real Danish city life.

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

Poland has unveiled the architectural design for its national pavilion in World Expo Shanghai 2010, presenting a geometrical structure covered with paper-cutting pattern. The design of the 3,000-square-meter Poland Pavilion is the winning entry chosen from 20 candidates in the designing competition and was designed by Arch. Marcin Mostafa, Arch. Natalia Paszkowska and Arch. Wojciech Kakowski.

More images and full description after the break.

THE PROJECT CONCEPT
In the contemporary world with its abundance of visual experience, with the pictorial language of communication reigning supreme, with the almost unconstrained and instant accessibility of iconographic material, an exposition piece of architecture will only be attractive insofar it can offer perceptual sensations attainable only through direct, unmediated exposure to out-of-the-ordinary, singular stimuli, insofar it can provide a quality of experience born out of the chemistry of inter-sensory stimulation. Given the nature of the exposition, the exhibition facility has to denote, by its esthetic distinctiveness, the country of origin, has to constitute, by the strength of its stylistic connotations, an evocative, recognizable and memorable cultural ideogram. In our design, the cultural idiom is primarily conveyed through the theme, the motif of folk-art paper cut-out. Or, more precisely, through a rendering of the motif, a transcription of an elementary esthetic code into the contemporary language of architectural décor. The transcription rationale was twofold. First of all, we did not wish the design to be literally folklorish, a mechanical multiplication of convention-approved set patterns.

The intention was for the structure décor to draw on and make reference to tradition, but ultimately to be that tradition’s contemporary reinterpretation, a creative extension into the present day by way of inspiration rather than replication. Secondly, we aspired to make the structure in its own right, in a purely architectural dimension, a significant landmark, a showcase of Polish design achievements. That it should be an attractive, eye-catching exterior both in daylight, against the panorama of other Expo facilities, as well as a mesmerizing experience at night with the edifice drawn by the multi-colored light seeping through the cut-out patterns. And reversely, that it should provide inside visitors with comparable experience by shaping the outer skin patterning in such a way that the sun rays shining through would chisel, by light and shade, the space under the vault. The structure’s overall shape, with many slanting planes, on the one hand complements and rounds out, by the suggestion of a folded sheet of paper, the ‘cut-out’ narrative, on the other creates inside a geometrically intriguing and flexible space that can be creatively apportioned, by inner divisions, to different exhibition, performance and utility functions and uses.

FUNCTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
The outside structure of the pavilion and its reflection in the proposed arrangement of its inside functions impose on the visitors taking and following a route which is consistent with the logic of the building. The entranceway – an interlude between an inside and outside body of the construction, is accessible from the square marked out between the pavilions. The partial roof created by the fold in the building, allows for arranging an open-air restaurant as well as for providing the queues of visitors a shelter from the elements. The entrance opens onto the hall containing the information centre, a restaurant and a shop. Next the visitors proceed to the main, full-height exhibition area of the pavilion. It is the space painted with the light filtering through the cut-out patterns of the elevation creating a ‘chiaroscuro’ effect, but also the place where the inner, solid walls of the pavilion can function as screens on which the scenes of Polish city life are projected. Consequently, the interior of the building will create a background for scheduled performances and presentations, e.g.directly connected with depicting the life of a typical Polish market place. The concert hall which is located above the entranceway roof can be accessed from this area. Auxiliary functions have been designed in the lowest part of the building, under the ramp leading onto the rooftop.

Continuing the route the visitors enter the area of the exhibition proper, devoted to the future of the cities. The wooden, ground-level floor is gradually rising, acquiring the form of terraced stairs and becoming an auditorium for performances taking place below. The stairs take the visitors onto the exhibition ramp, suspended in the pavilion space and leading to the mezzanine where the exhibition of Polish design and an additional bar are to be located, The last stretch of the ramp leads onto the roof level – the viewing spot. From here, the visitors can begin their descent on the rooftop, following the line of greenery elements or small architectural forms until they reach their starting point – the entrance to the pavilion. The opposite direction of sightseeing may be considered as well. The sloping rooftop creates the possibility of arranging an open-air film shows, theatrical performances or concerts.

MATERIAL SOLUTIONS
The basic constructional and finishing material is wood. The outer layer of the elevation, with its characteristic design inspired by a traditional folk-art paper cut-out, is made of impregnated laser-cut plywood mounted on glued wood construction modules with flitch plates. Panel wall elements made of glass, polycarbonate, hydro or UV resistant materials are mounted on the outer side of the modules. On the inner side semi-transparent PCV or Tyvek type material membranes will be additionally mounted, on which the patterns of the outer elevation will be projected. Both the exterior, entranceway surface and the interior of the pavilion will be covered with impregnated wooden flooring.

The choice of materials and the character of construction were to a large extent dictated by the idea of possible future reclaiming and recycling of the pavilion structure or its parts, e.g. by reconstructing it in one of the Polish cities after the closing of EXPO. The colouristic effects were determined by the choice of plywood panels in natural wood colour. When the dusk falls the elevation will acquire different colours according to the changes of light penetrating the cut-out patterns.

LANDSCAPING
The entrance yard constitutes the integral part of the ground floor of the pavilion. The pattern of the exterior flooring divisions as well as the material used are continued inside the building.The form of outdoor and indoor furniture has been inspired by the elevation patterns.There is a conception of using the elements cut out from the elevation plywood for producing the furniture, in the form and material which will directly refer to the pavilion architecture.Also the greenery will be arranged in the corresponding shapes, growing on the rooftop out of perforations in the elevation patterns.

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

The Pavilion of Ideas, designed by Heatherwick Studio, beat five other short-listed designs, including plans put forward by the creators of the London Eye — the largest Ferris wheel in the world — to become final the winner. The pavilion looks like a box with thousands of spines that hover without visible support above a public square.

All the spines, which can swing in the breeze, are tipped with tiny colored light sources which can display a variety of images together.

“The image can be changed every day or every week. If people love to see David Beckham, we will play Beckham’s picture. If Louis Hamilton wins the F1 Championship, maybe we will show Hamilton,”

Inside the pavilion, visitors will see an enormous digital screen showing various contents. The outside area of the pavilion will be an exhibition space and auditorium as well as a cafe and shops surrounded by two strips of grass. The pavilion will be as ecological as possible and the designers are trying to make all the aspects recyclable and carbon-neutral. It is light, without heavy concrete foundations and will “touch the ground softly,” according to the introduction by Heatherwich.

“We were really energized by the uniqueness of the concept and the way it integrated technology with a sensory experience for visitors,” said the jury leader Lord Jones of Birmingham, Trade and Investment Minister.

“It will be a spectacular pavilion that responds to what visitors say and feel and at the same time showcases the very best of brand Britain.”

From Heatherwick Studio
The Pavilion of Ideas is a unique display device – an enclosure that throws out from all faces a mass of long, radiating cilia, each ending with a tiny light source. Their length means they gently sway in response to any wind movement.

These cilia, or staves, provide the Pavilion with its only means of support. It rests on its soft forest in an urban field, flanked by two ramped, embracing arms of grass, formed as ramparts under which an auditorium, exhibition space, café, shop and reception spaces are sited. The architecture eschews the need for significant concrete foundations and aims to use simple construction techniques to touch lightly on the site.

Above and peering into these spaces, the Pavilion flickers with patterns of light as it sends its messages, and those of its visitors, across the site. Each cilium terminates within the Pavilion – with another tiny light source. Inside, clustered together by the form of the structure, they create an enormous engulfing digital screen. This is how the British Pavilion’s content is expressed – outwardly as well as inwardly.

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

The 6,000-square-meter Canada Pavilion, among the biggest at the site, will feature an exhibition themed “The Living City: Inclusive, Sustainable, Creative.” The pavilion is about the size of two-and-a-half NHL ice hockey rinks, said Susan Gregson, Canada’s consul general in Shanghai. It is expected to welcome up to 5.5 million people or 30,000 visitors per day during the six-month Expo period.

The pavilion will be anchored by an open public place and surrounded by three large structures. The square will be a performing area, where visitors can watch the performances of Cirque du Soleil before checking out the pavilion, said Gregson.

The overall budget for the Canadian pavilion will be 45 million Canadian dollars (US$43.57 million), she added. Canada has also given environmental protection consideration into the pavilion. Part of the pavilion’s exterior walls will be covered by a special kind of greenery and rainwater will be collected by a drainage system for use inside the pavilion.

Cirque du Soleil created the concept design for the Canada Pavilion, said Gregson. The country is still searching for contractors for its architectural services, constructions and technical operations, whose public tendering is being processed by Canadian Heritage. Canada is the 11th participant to sign a participation contract with the organizers.

Cirque du Soleil will also create public performances, organize cultural programs and develop strategic corporate alliances for the pavilion. The troupe made its debut on the Chinese mainland last summer, bringing the Quidam show to Shanghai, its only stop in China. Cirque du Soleil was founded by Guy Laliberte, a member of a ragtag band of street performers from the Canadian province of Quebec in 1984.

The entertainment troupe now employs about 3,000 people on three continents and takes in about US$400 million in revenues annually.

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

The Spain Pavilion will have a steel structure and a wicker cover. Spanish handcrafters will weave out different patterns by using different colors of wicker, said Benedetta Tagliabue, designer of the pavilion. The wicker will be covered by a special material that is water-proof. It will also keep the pavilion at a comfortable temperature, said Tagliabue.

With sunshine penetrating through the wicker, visitors will be able to enjoy a nice walk in the open air, the designer said. “Spain has a very long history in making wicker-weaving products. We know that China has that kind of handicraft too. So we thought this was something we had in common,” said Tagliabue.

Also, the pavilion of course is very strong, she said. The designers have considered the possibility of bad weather during the Expo period such as typhoons or the summer Plum Rain season, said Tagliabue. The Spanish government is going to invest 1.8 million euros (US$2.6 million) in the pavilion, said Javier Conde de Saro, Spain’s commissioner general for World Expo Shanghai.

The pavilion, with a total floor area of 8,500 square meters, will have both open squares for cultural performances and an indoor area for exhibitions and cafeterias.

Conde de Saro said Spanish organizers may bring unique Spanish cultural events to the Expo, possibly flamenco dancing, and hopefully the performance venue will not be limited to the Spanish pavilion.

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

The idea “forest and fortress” comes from the literal meaning of the Chinese term for Luxembourg. The pavilion, built from steel, wood and glass, will be an open fortress around with greenery. The 15-meter-high main structure will resemble an ancient castle with large openings surrounded by medieval towers,

“All the materials are recyclable,” said the architect of the pavilion, Francois Valentiny. Also, the outside walls will be translucent, on which Chinese characters will be shown. The exhibition area of the pavilion is about 1,300 square meters. The downstairs hall will stage a satellite video show displaying live scenes from the country. “Visitors will be able to talk with Luxembourg people through satellite. And we will bring live programs of Luxembourg events here,” said Jeannot Krecke, the country’s Minister of the Economy and Foreign Trade.

The surrounding medieval castles will have a kindergarten and a restaurant. The restaurant will provide special food and drinks from Luxembourg, such as beer, wine, sausages and traditional dishes, as well as Chinese food. Visitors will also be able to buy Shanghai stamps, which will be printed in 2010 by the Luxembourg Post, and special Shanghai Euro coins issued by the Luxembourg Central Bank to celebrate the Expo.

The country unveiled its plan at a ceremony to mark the signing of the participation contract with Expo organizers. Luxembourg is the fourth country to sign the contract, after Ukraine, Hungary and Switzerland. The design plan is very unique, and not only presents Luxemburg’s reputation as the “green heart of Europe,” but also embodies the theme of the Shanghai Expo, “Better City Better Life,” said Hong Hao, director of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination.

“The objective of the project is to demonstrate the concept of sustainable development through the structure and the content of the pavilion,” said Robert Goebbels, the commission general of Luxembourg.

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed: