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Belgium EU Pavilion at Universal Exposition 2010 in Shanghai

This is a project by Conix Architects and it is located at Shanghai, China. Project's program: Exhibition pavilion. There are six images for Belgium EU Pavilion at Universal Exposition 2010 in Shanghai.

: © James Ewing

Project details

Project name: Belgium EU Pavilion at Universal Exposition 2010 in Shanghai
Location: Shanghai, China
Program: Exhibition pavilion
Area: Built-up Area: 5600 m2
Year: Project Year: 2010
Client: Belgian Commissioner-General Expo 2010 • European Union • Belgian Buildings Agency
Project by: Conix Architects

Project images

Designer's statement

Constructing a Belgian pavilion for a Universal Exposition in Shanghai forced us to adopt a different approach. The Chinese culture, which radically differs from ours, the scale and density of Shanghai are not comparable to the European context. The context of the project asked for a specific approach to present Belgium and Europe and to arouse the interest of the visitors to the Expo for our culture, our creativity, our talent and our companies, all situated in a very different context.

The pavilion is created around the structure of a “Brain Cell”, evoking the artistic richness of Belgium and Europe, as well as its scientific achievements which contribute to the development of our cultural and intellectual patrimony. Belgium has always been a “place of balance” where people have gathered with common interests that surpass their national needs. In contrast to the playful, organic form of the Brain Cell, the exterior of the building refers to the pragmatism and the discretion typical of Belgium. A roof structure offers a communal shelter, functioning as a public space, fully open to the outside world.

The pavilion is composed of a structure which is easy to build, to disassemble and to recycle. To adapt the building to Shanghai’s warm and moist climate, the exterior is built up of three mainly closed façades, composed of metal plates.

The pavilion does not only accommodate the exposition halls of Europe, Belgium and its communities and regions, but also offers convivial meeting places including a restaurant, a bar and a VIP-centre.