Swedish Pavilion brings the spirit of Nobel to China

Different from the other pavilions at the Shanghai World Expo, which use steel for construction, one-fourth of the Swedish Pavilion is built with a new type of timber.

The wood structure clustered with green plants is 20 meters high and is designed as the entrance of the Swedish Pavilion. Visitors who queue and wait here will feel more natural, fresh and comfortable compared to those in the steel structures, but they will doubt whether modern buildings can be supported by timber?

Swedish Pavilion

"The Swedish Pavilion's theme is a spirit of innovation. We hope visitors can create a new image once they walk into the pavilion, that is, the wood is not only raw materials for paper but also an environmental and sustainable resource, and even a way of life. Using an innovative technology, the timber will be sturdy and durable like steel," said Annika Rembe, commissioner general of Sweden’s participation in the Expo.

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Although three-fourths of the pavilion uses steel, it also uses an innovative technology. For example, the outside walls with many holes in it are made of special steel plates that can reflect sunlight. The gaps between the outside and inside walls can ventilate and insulate heat and reduce energy consumption. Well-arranged holes form exceptional lines which compose the map of Stockholm, the Swedish capital, forming a unique lingering charm.

Covering an area of 3,000 square meters, the Swedish Pavilion is just like a huge cube which was cut by a "+" sign into four smaller cubes connected by glass walkways. "The + sign represents the Swedish flag, and the integration of steel and timber symbolizes the harmonious interaction between city and forest. “This is our interpretation of the Expo's theme of a better city, better life," said Rembe.

Sweden believes that a beautiful and peaceful nature with a green environment is not only the pride of a country, but is also the cornerstone of urban and rural life harmonization, and the source of an innovative spirit. Moreover, the well-known scientist and inventor Alfred Nobel had lived in an environment such as this.