helen & hard: norway pavillion at shanghai expo 2010

'norwegian nature' by helen & hard, melvaer & lien and sweco groener
image courtesy helen & hard

the main theme of the norwegian pavilion is a sustainable societal development.
architectural studios helen & hard, melvaer & lien and sweco groener designed
a structure consisting of 15 bamboo or wooden elements of various dimensions,
reminding the visitor of trees. visitor to the pavilion thus walks through a norwegian
forest (the exposition was named by the architects 'norwegian nature'). after the exposition
ends, they wish to find 15 chinese cities, where they will place the trees from
the exposition as a symbol of friendship.

the pavilion will be made of wood and bamboo with 15 model trees, they will be
arranged in groups giving a solid interpretation of norway’s varied landscapes
the roof is a four point sail - membrane construction of teflon coated etfe. the main
construction is made of glue-laminated timber and an additional layer of chinese bamboo
boards. air conditioning, water and energy supply, lighting, display- screens and all
technical installations are integrated in this second layer.

each tree functions at the same time as construction, infrastructure, furniture, exhibition,
playground and information display.

the entire pavilion will be a powerful sensory experience, using a combination of
visual, tactile, auditory, and physical stimuli to create scenographic, spatial sequences.


image courtesy helen & hard


image courtesy helen & hard


image courtesy helen & hard