japanese pavilion at shanghai world expo 2010

the japanese pavilion at shanghai expo 2010 image © designboom

the japanese pavilion at the shanghai expo 2010 sits on a 6 000 square meter plot the structure has been officially nicknamed ‘zi can dao’ (‘purple silkworm island’) in reference to its color and shape.

the semi-circular ‘breathing organism’ makes efficient use of natural resources, incorporating solar energy collection batteries and a double-layer membrane that  filters sunshine coinciding with its interpretation of how technology can better our lives. energy-saving technologies are displayed and performances are also being staged, highlighting the role of ecological technology in helping humans achieve a more comfortable life and confidence in the future. also performing on stage are some intelligent robots.

image © designboom

image © designboom

image © designboom

top view of the pavilion image © designboom

image © designboom

solar energy collection batteries + double-layer membrane image © designboom

image © designboom

inside the pavilion image © designboom

the metal structure image © designboom

image © designboom

image © designboom

the ceiling image © designboom

view from the second level image © designboom

image © designboom

a toyota robot plays the violin image © designboom

the pavilion at night image © designboom

image © designboom

image © designboom

image © designboom