Expo 2015: Countries Face Off in an Architectural Feast
Updated 8:50 AM EDT, Thu April 30, 2015
A large vertical farm that will be harvested daily, and a design that evokes the classic American barn: tradition and innovation find a way to merge in the United States‘ pavilion, which promotes a new image of American food while highlighting the country’s central role in the discussion around the future of food.Italy has chosen a “nursery” theme to symbolize the care needed to nurture projects and talents. The pavilion is designed like an urban forest, utilizing photocatalytic cement to capture air pollutants and convert them into inert salts.Laminated wood dominates France’s pavilion, which highlights various ways food can be produced and distributed, resembling a traditional covered market.Germany’s pavilion, inspired by its lush landscapes, offers two unique routes under the theme “Field of Ideas,” one resembling a public park, the other depicting diverse sources of nutrition.Spain’s pavilion creatively merges interior and exterior spaces, featuring a patio with orange trees and a beach bar, emphasizing the country’s rich territorial diversity and Mediterranean dietary benefits.Austria’s pavilion focuses on air, a fundamental element for both human existence and agricultural processes, featuring a small forest that generates fresh oxygen regularly.Belgium’s pavilion offers visitors a taste of national delights such as chocolate and fries, complemented by exceptional craft beers, all centered around a commitment to sustainability.China’s pavilion emphasizes the magic of agriculture and traditional food production, particularly tofu, representing its inaugural self-constructed exhibition space at a Universal Exposition.Azerbaijan’s pavilion, utilizing flexible wood to mimic multiple microclimates, represents the country’s diverse cultural aspects and the promotion of healthy food choices.Kazakhstan’s pavilion serves as a platform to unveil the country’s hidden historical treasures and renowned products like milk, horse meat, and apples, enriching the visitor experience.Japan’s pavilion showcases its revered food culture, heavily influenced by fish and vegetables, structured in a design reminiscent of traditional Kyoto homes.Hungary’s pavilion embodies traditional architectural features while promoting organic practices and the use of renewable materials to underline its GMO-free principles.Vietnam’s pavilion centers around the lotus flower, representing nourishment and life, while tackling significant issues such as pollution, overfishing, and sustainable practices.The UAE’s pavilion, crafted by Foster + Partners, showcases stunning rippled walls that reflect both the desert landscape and historical context, addressing food sustainability in the face of climate change.Kuwait’s pavilion is themed around water, showcasing its pivotal role through immersive projections that recreate the nation’s landscapes and situation regarding fresh water availability.Malaysia’s pavilion, constructed with innovative materials, highlights the journey of its agriculture, emphasizing the versatility and dynamic nature of its food culture.Thailand’s pavilion, shaped like the traditional Ngob hat, immerses visitors in an atmosphere reminiscent of local food fairs, brilliantly featuring the country’s exceptional street food culture.
