China Pavilion for Expo Milano 2015

CHINA PAVILION, EXPO MILANO 2015 Rejecting the typical notion of a cultural pavilion as an object in a plaza, the China Pavilion is instead conceived as a field of spaces. Envisioned as a cloud hovering over a “land of hope”, the Pavilion is experienced as a series of public programs located beneath a floating roof, the unique design of which creates an iconic image for the project and a unique presence within the Expo grounds.

The theme for the China Pavilion is “The Land of Hope”. The project embodies this through its undulating roof form, derived by merging the profile of a city skyline on the building’s north side with the profile of a landscape on the south side, expressing the idea that “hope” can be realized when city and nature exist in harmony. Conceived as a timber structure that references the “raised-beam” system found in traditional Chinese architecture, the Pavilion roof also uses modern technology to create long spans appropriate to the building’s public nature. The roof is covered in shingled panels that reference traditional pottery roof construction, but are reinterpreted as large bamboo leaves that enhance the roof profile while shading the public spaces below. Designed as layered screens, these panels add texture and depth to the Pavilion’s roof and create evocative light and transparency effects below. Beneath the roof, the building’s ground plane is defined by a landscape of wheat (the “land of hope”) that references China’s agrarian past. This natural landscape transitions seamlessly into an LED multimedia installation in the center that forms the centerpiece of the building’s exhibition program.

The Pavilion’s full exhibition and cultural offerings are experienced as a sequence of spaces, beginning with an exterior waiting area in the landscape, leading to a themed exhibition space with interactive installations and cultural offerings from different Chinese provinces. After this, visitors are guided up a gently sloped public stair to a panoramic viewing platform above the multimedia installation, after which they are guided into a multimedia space featuring a short film focusing on family reunions during China’s annual Spring Festival. This sequence concludes with visitors stepping outside the building onto a platform above the bamboo roof that enjoys expansive views of the Expo grounds.

PROJECT INFORMATION Project Name: China Pavilion for Expo Milano 2015 Award: First Prize Client: China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Organizer: Expo Milano 2015 Project Director: Dan Su Design Director: Yue Zhang, Yi Du ARCHITECTURE Architect: Tsinghua University + Studio Link-Arc Chief Architect: Yichen Lu (Tsinghua University + Studio Link-Arc) Project Manager: Kenneth Namkung, Qinwen Cai (Studio Link-Arc) Project Team: Alban Denic, Shuning Fan, Mario Bastianelli, Yoko Fujita, Chen Hu, Ching-Tsung Huang, Hyunjoo Lee, Dongyul Kim, Ivi Diamantopoulou, Wei Huang, Zachary Grzybowski, Elvira Hoxha, Aymar Mariño-Maza, Zoe Zhou (Studio Link-Arc) Architect and Engineer of Record: F&M Ingegneria Structural Engineer: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger + F&M Ingegneria Enclosure Engineer: Elite Facade Consultants + ATLV MEP Engineer: F&M Ingegneria + Beijing Qingshang Environmental Art & Architectural Design General Contractor: China Arts Construction and Decoration Company + Unique Europe + Bodino Engineering Rendering: MIR Model Photo: Zheheng Hong EXHIBITION, LANDSCAPE, & INTERIOR DESIGN Exhibition Design: Yanyang Zhou, Danqing Shi (Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University) Landscape Design: Xiaosheng Cui (Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University) Interior Design: Jiansong Wang (Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University) Lighting Design: Yi Du, Xiaoxi Liu (Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University) Visual Identity Design: Xin Gu (Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University

The Concept China’s theme captures an attitude of thankfulness, respect and cooperation that characterizes its people: the land has fed man from its beginnings and hope suggests the prospect of a future where food can offer life to everyone. Agriculture, food, environment, sustainable development are the focal points of China's participation in Expo Milano 2015. Its aim is to recall the tenet of Chinese philosophy that "man is part of nature," and to illustrate its cultural traditions and progress in the areas of agriculture, showcasing the great strides made in the use of resources for providing a sufficient supply of good and healthy food. The underlying theme is the pursuit of balance between mankind and the environment, between humanity and nature. Just as the farmer looks after and protects the earth, so must people care for the planet. The exhibition area of ​​4,590 square meters unfolds around three themes. "The Gift of Nature" illustrates crop processes according to the Chinese lunisolar calendar and the five colors of the soil. "Food for Life" shows the production path of foods including tofu and other dishes, China’s famous eight schools of cuisine, and its tea culture. "Technology and the Future" charts the progress of science, including the hybrid rice of Professor Yuan Longping, recycling in agriculture and techniques for tracking the Internet of things. This is the first time that China participates in a Universal Exposition with a self-built pavilion, symbolizing its commitment as a vast nation and the second largest economy in the world. For the first time, China is committed to illustrate and explain details of its agricultural policy, ranging from its history to the innovations of the future. Individual cities and provinces will also be present with rich and colorful events. And, for the first time ever, there will also be Chinese companies in their own self-built pavilions.