the polish pavilion at shanghai expo 2010
image © designboom


the concept of the polish pavilion by WWA architects for the shanghai world expo 2010
is based around traditional polish folk art paper cut-outs, reinterpreted in a contemporary fashion.
the idea was generated when the team sought to create a 'cultural ideogram' that would signify
the country of origin in an iconic way. a ramp has been created by the folded exterior, which
enables visitors to climb onto the roof of the building, making the entire building a functional
exhibition space.



the polish pavilion


the outer layer of the pavilion is made of impregnated CNC plotter-cut plywood mounted
on steel construction modules with a steel substructure. both the exterior, entrance way
surface and the interior of the pavilion is covered with impregnated wooden flooring.

the choice of materials and the character of construction were to a large extent dictated by
the idea of possible future reclaiming and recycling of the pavilion structure or its parts,
e.g. by reconstructing it in one of the polish cities after the expo has ended



image © designboom



view of swiss pavilion
image © designboom



entrance into the pavilion
image © designboom



entrance into the pavilion
image © designboom


the partial roof created by the fold in the building, allows for shelter for the queues of visitors.



detail of the facade
image © designboom



the interior - exhibition space


the interior design is a continuation of the architectural idea of the form of the building
and the details of the facade. the aesthetic concept of the pavilion is brought inside
and the folk cut-outs lead the visitors through the entrance into the main hall, while transforming
patterns, are continuously guiding them along the entire exhibition.



the interior - exhibition space


once dusk falls the structure acquires different colors according to the changes of light
penetrating the cut-out patterns.



the polish pavilion at night



the polish pavilion at night



the polish pavilion at night



project info for polish pavilion
designed by: WWAA marcin mostafa + natalia paszkowska
client: polish agency for enterprise development
collaboration: wojciech kakowski, buro happold
area: 2400 sqm
year: design 2007 (competition first prize), construction 2010
budget: ca 11 000 000 pln


project info for exhibition inside polish pavilion
designed by: boris kudlicka, marcin mostafa + natalia paszkowska (wwaa)
client: polish agency for enterprise development
area: ca 1500 sqm
year: design 2009, construction 2010
budget: ca 9 000 000 pln