Source: www.expo2010.cn

05-08-2009 15:09

Special Report:   2010 Shanghai Expo Countdown

As the host country of the 2010 World Expo, China has a long and rich cultural history, which has provided continuous inspiration to people around the world. The Swiss Pavilion is inspired by the concept of balance, as embodied in the traditional Chinese concept of yin and yang, which is relevant to the sub-theme of the Expo "rural-urban interaction."

An artist's rendition of the Swiss Pavilion

Rural and urban areas are complementary yet opposing, and the combination of the two ensures a balance between society and nature. A regular and healthy interaction between the rural and urban areas is a prerequisite for sustainable and harmonious development in ecological, economic and social aspects.

In Switzerland, there is a strong awareness of the importance of the interaction between urban and rural areas, due to the geographical characteristics of the country. Urban and rural areas are complementary and necessarily interdependent. For many years, Switzerland has been striving to find sustainable ways of protecting and conserving its natural heritage as well as improving living conditions in urban areas.

The design of the Swiss Pavilion is based on the concept of balance rooted in the principle of yin and yang. A vast planted roof and two load-bearing cylinders together make up the structure of the building, and are connected by a revolving chair lift system. The architecture incorporates the symbiosis between town and country, and emphasizes the perfect balance of man, nature and technology.

The urban setting of the ground floor is counterbalanced by the natural space of the roof of the Swiss Pavilion and the continuous circuit of the chair lift provides visitors with access to the rural area from the urban area, offering an interesting and inspiring experience.