New York-based firm Biber Architects has unveiled its design for the US pavilion - "American Food 2.0: United to Feed the Planet" - at the Milan Expo 2015. An airy, barn-inspired structure, the design represents the pavilion’s food-centric theme, focusing on a farm-to-table food model and sustainable production.
The pavilion’s door opens up to the main pedestrian path and a symbol of American food: the boardwalk. Made of recycled wood from US boardwalks, the walkway extends to the second floor, serving as a pathway for self-guided tour and concealing an exhibition space below. The top floor will contain a rooftop terrace with energy generating panels and a translucent floor.
One of the main components of the pavilion is a vertical farm stretching along the side. Hydroponics will be used to grow crops, which will be watered using a rainwater system. The wall is a “didactic display talking about the past, present and future of the American farm and the American diet,” Biber said in a press release.
The pavilion’s facades are transparent or perforated and photovoltaic panels will be used to generate energy. Food trucks representing the US’s diverse street food culture will also be an integral component of the pavilion.
The US is one of 147 participating countries in the 2015 Milan Expo, which is centered on the theme “feeding the planet, energy for life.” Our full 2015 Milan Expo coverage is available here.
Architects: Biber Architects
Location: Milan, Italy
Area: 35,000 square feet
Year: 2015
