world expo 2010 opening

The Shanghai World Expo opening will be in a few hours and I just managed to catch a glimpse online on how the pavilions look.

Singapore Pavilion URBAN SYMPHONY by KNTA:

-resembles a musical box and "aims to show rhythm and beat... ..." designboom.

-"pays tribute to Singapore symbolising its harmony of culture, progress and sustainability" worldarchitecturenews.com

OK... ...culture and progress I get but sustainability?? Recyclable materials were supposedly used whenever possible in the construction of the pavilion but the country is definitely still pretty behind on incorporating recycling into the people's daily lifestyle... ... as compared to some others... ...in my humble opinion.

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Australian Pavilion ImagiNATION by Wood Marsh:
-"the bold sculptural form acknowledges the Australian ancient landscape while demonstrating in a visually striking way the sophistication of modern urban design in Australia" www.australianpavilion.com
- experience includes 3 acts: Journey, Discover + Enjoy

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I think they simply used leftover material from the Australian Centre of Contemporary Art (ACCA) in Melbourne, also by the same architects. See the resemblance?

sources here and here

Hong Kong Pavilion INFINITY by Chan Wai Ching + Sze ki Shan:

- to highlight her unlimited potential

-showcases the city's openness and global connectivity

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My personal favourite is the German Pavilion BALANCITY by Lennart Wiechell.

It showcases the country's urban life, design and products.

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What looks like perforated metal makes it a walk-through sculpture that blurs interior from exterior... ...cool.