Latvian architects Mailītis A.I.I.M., were selected to design the Latvian Pavilion for this year’s Shanghai World Expo. Construction started in the end of 2009.
More images and architect’s description after the break.
THE LATVIAN PAVILION
Latvia is participating in Shanghai Expo 2010 under the sub-theme Innovation city of science and technology.
The philosophy and message imparted through the Latvian pavilion is The road to happiness leads through harmony between nature and technology. Throughout the six-month duration of the exhibition, Latvia will present its cultural achievements, its measures to protect the environment, its technological advancements and its successful business stories to the world at large.
The facade of the Latvian pavilion will be composed of 100 000 colourful, transparent, 15×15 cm plastic plates, which sparkle and sway in the wind, generating a dynamic, kinetic effect. The facade will symbolize nature and its various facets – the forests, the sea, the land, the sky, the wind.
The entry stairway of the pavilion will lead upward in a spiral, symbolizing the continued, progressive development of humanity. At the top of the stairway, on the third floor of the exhibition hall, visitors will behold a glass wind tunnel, filled with flying people!
The wind tunnel will be the centrepiece of the Latvian pavilion. Through the latest technological advances, people can now fly in both a figurative and literal sense. Flight embodies the harmony, happiness and creative energy that people have always pursued.
The Latvian pavilion will be located by the central square of the Shanghai EXPO exhibit, site occupies 1000 m² of land, it’s next to the pavilions of Estonia, Denmark, Greece and Belgium. It will stand out prominently and will be easy to spot from the main, pedestrian walkway. The total area of the pavilion’s exhibits amounts to 920 m², with additional space taken up by the AERODIUM wind tunnel.
Each of the pavilion’s guests will get the chance to win a free flight in the vertical wind tunnel. By participating in an interactive quiz using touch-screens, visitors will learn many interesting facts about Latvia. Those, who succeed in winning a free flight will be led to the second floor, where they will be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime. Then, together with a competent instructor, they will experience an unforgettable flight like no other. Each flight will be filmed for posterity, and the recordings, with Latvia’s name on them, will then make their way all across the world.
Apart from the wind tunnel, films and other audiovisual materials on Latvia and related themes will be shown on exposition screens within the pavilion.
The first floor of the pavilion will house a souvenir shop, a cafe and representative space for conferences, business meetings and the reception of delegations.
Three wind turbines will be located on the roof of the pavilion. During the evening hours, they will project a professional team of flying acrobats 20 metres into the night sky, high above the EXPO grounds. The Latvian tumblers’ flying, thematic performances will be complemented by a special light show.
