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Architects: 2pm Architekci
- Year: 2015
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Photographs:Courtesy of 2pm Architekci
Text description provided by the architects. The idea behind the project for the Polish Pavilion at EXPO 2015 in Milan refers to Polish orchards and horticulture, very significant to the Polish landscape and economy. It is being realized through the use of a motif of a wooden apple box, normally used in shipment as a packaging for fruits and vegetables.
The idea is executed on two levels. In the micro scale through the use of the pavilion's modular, openwork outside wall, visually referring to the aforementioned apple boxes, and in the macro scale by conveying the pavilion's idea as a form of packaging for the presentation of Poland's agriculture.
The pavilion's layout leads visitors through a symbolic 'secret' garden, hidden behind an openwork 'box-like' structure. The garden itself consists of endless rows of apple trees, very characteristic to the Polish landscape. The image isn't given to the visitors at once. In order to understand it, a person needs to make their way down a long and winding road. The contrast between the entrance, the crevice's narrow and tall space, and the garden's horizontal and endless space is the essence of the feeling the pavilion is supposed to evoke in its visitors. The illusion of the garden's expanse and endlessness is created by the use of mirrors, elements made from polished, chrome-plated metal, which the entire inner wall is covered with in order to multiply the reflections in every possible direction. It creates a place full of light, freedom, and space. It resembles an Italian 'piazza', a square around which the lives of Italian cities are concentrated, here, quite surprisingly, 'thrown' into the centre of a Mazovian apple orchard. The design team states that in this area it will be possible to organize various events as a part of the exhibition. What is worth noting is that, thanks to the square's abstract background, each event should be distinctive and memorable.
The message to the recipient is centred upon the Polish agriculture and its economic success. Apart from the real stroll, the exhibition offers a virtual walk as well during which the recipients will be able to learn more about the Polish agriculture as well as familiarize themselves with the Polish landscape. Through the use of tablets, visitors will be able to gain additional info by reading various elements of the exhibition, strewn across the 'garden' and marked with QR codes. They will be also able to take a virtual stroll while resting in the shade of one of the numerous apple trees.
