japanese pavilion at shanghai expo 2010

the huge ‘breathing organism’ pavilion

situated on a 6 000 square meter plot, the 24-meter-high japanese pavilion will be the largest the country has ever built for the world expo. it is also among one of the largest pavilions at shanghai expo 2010. the structure has been officially nicknamed ‘zi can dao'(‘purple silkworm island’) in reference to its color and shape.

the pavilion will be divided into past, present and future exhibitions. these three zones – wonders of connections, from ‘connections of knowledge’ to ‘connections between people’ and balancing ‘connections between people’ and the future – present the connections and exchanges between japan and china, technologies and human activities for resolving issues facing humankind and ideas for the future of the earth with humans living in harmony with the environment.

the semi-circular ‘breathing organism’ will make efficient use of natural resources, incorporating solar energy collection batteries and a double-layer membrane that can filter sunshine to coincide with its interpretation of how technology can better our lives. energy-saving technologies will be on display and performances will be staged, highlighting the role of ecological technology in helping humans achieve a more comfortable life and confidence in the future.

regarding the design, visitors will experience some chinese elements at the japan pavilion, involve characters and traditional chinese architectural styles. the exhibition will include a history of japanese diplomatic envoys visiting china. there will also be some intelligent robots as part of the pavilion, but officials have declined to reveal any other information, as to keep the exhibition plans as a surprise.