Commissioner-General of Pavilion: Leo Delcroix

Architect: Conix Architects, Interbuild (construction), and Realys Group (design)

Design: The Pavilion of Belgium – Europe will be a two-story, 5250m2 rectangular building, with an outsized “brain cell” as the centerpiece. The European Union will have a 1000m2 exhibition space on the ground floor, using multimedia means to showcase European cities.  The exterior of the pavilion will be composed of a transparent glass façade and three covered façades made from stretched metal plates.

Concept: The Brain Cell concept is meant to evoke Belgium’s artistic richness and its scientific achievements, which the country prides in as having contributed to the development of its cultural and intellectual heritage. For Belgium – with its influence of Latin, German, and Anglo-Saxon traditions—“centrality” has always been fundamental aspect of its identity, and the Brain Cell concept is also an allusion to this. The pavilion highlights Belgium’s role as a European hub, housing institutions such as the European Parliament, the European Commission, and NATO. The pavilion will, furthermore, aim to reflect the elements considered key ingredients for the prosperous development of Belgium and of Europe: diversity of the people coming together, a tradition of social tolerance, and a balance between collective necessities and individual aspirations.

For more information, please visit: http://shanghaiexpo2010.be/ (official website of the Pavilion of Belgium - Europe)

(Content also taken from EXPO Shanghai official website – www.expo2010.cn)

Commissioner-General of Pavilion: Lyndall Sachs

Architect: designed by Wood Marsh Architects in association with Think OTS

Design: The Pavilion of Australia is designed to embody the educational mission of the Expo: the demonstration of the national creativity in the search for solutions for a better life in cities. The visitors will have access to useful information and will have the possibility to simulate a trip to the heart of the Australian identity in a relaxing space, immersed in the sounds, colors, and flavors of Australia. The shape of the pavilion – audacious and original—is reminiscent of the traditional landscapes; it presents in a striking way the sophistication of the urban design on the island. On the inside, a combination of dynamic and stationary exhibitions will entertain and educate visitors, transporting them to a world beyond ordinary ideas about the country.

Concept: With a sophisticated design and a diverse program of events, the goal of the Australian Pavilion will be arranged so that visitors follow three key steps during their visit: “journey,” “discover,” and “enjoy.” The first section will offer visitors a basic knowledge of the culturally diverse Australian society, with interactive displays to show off the natural beauty of the country. A ramp will then take visitors to a second section, consisting of a multimedia show in a theater with a capacity for 1000 persons. Finally, visitors will be able to embark on a “physical” experience of the Australian landscapes and folklore in the third section, where they will be able to enjoy an extensive program of contemporary Australian culture and arts and sample typical Australian drinks.

For more information, please visit: http://www.expo2010.com.au/ (official website of the Pavilion of Australia)

Commissioner-General of Pavilion: José Frèches

Architect: Jacques Ferrier

Design: A simple design with a large French-style garden inside, the 6000 m2 -pavilion will be surrounded by water, giving the impression of a floating pavilion.

Concept: Using the most advanced construction technologies and materials, the pavilion will be built to reflect the modernity, dynamism, and technological innovation of France, while showcasing the quality of life in its cities.

The pavilion aims to be an example of energy efficiency and recycling for a “great architectural project of France in China,” according to Mr. José Frèches, the Pavilion’s Commissioner-General.

The French government hopes to highlight France’s contribution to sustainable urban development as well as reinforce France’s image in what it considers to be one of the biggest economic metropolises in the world.

For more information, please visit: http://www.pavillon-france.fr

Commissioner-General of Pavilion: Salem Saeed Al Ameri

"One of the most powerful and appealing experiences for UAE people is to travel through our vast desert, and we want to share this experience with Chinese people by building the pavilion.”

Architect: Foster + Partners

Design: The design of the Pavilion of the UAE will be in the shape of a gigantic golden sand dune—sand dunes being a symbolic feature of the desert landscape shared by each of the seven emirates. Measuring 20 meters in height and with a surface of 6000m2, the jewel-like shell that is the pavilion will be covered by a gold-colored stainless steel. The pavilion’s undulating roof will give it wind-blown look, like actual sand dunes, and the shimmering and changing of colors of the pavilion are meant to remind visitors of the country’s various natural environments. The pavilion will be illuminated at night.

The shape of the pavilion will also reflect considerations of the Shanghai weather – it will protect visitors from the direct glare of the city’s summer sun, while still allowing light to enter indirectly through louvers.

Concept: The pavilion will showcase the swift development of UAE’s modern cities, while highlighting its environmental strategies and projects. According to Gerard Evenden, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners, “The cities of the UAE rise from the desert and the pavilion will similarly emerge to form a natural counterpoint to Shanghai’s urban landscape. Like a sand dune, it is oriented to the direction of the wind and is a powerful example of an organic and highly effective passive environmental design.”

(Source: EXPO Shanghai 2010 official website – www.expo2010.cn and Foster + Partners website – http://www.fosterandpartners.com)