danish pavilion by bjarke ingels group at shanghai expo 2010

exterior view of danish pavilion for shanghai expo 2010

the world expo aims to promote the exchange of ideas and development of the world economy, culture, science and technology, giving exhibitors the opportunity to publicize their achievements and improve international relations. bjarke ingels group(BIG) of denmark has won the danish pavilion for expo 2010 in shanghai with their proposal of a loop, a velodrom and an interactive fairytale. for the pavilion BIG, 2+1 and ARUP will relaunch the bike as a modern and sustainable urban alternative to the increasing car traffic in shanghai. the pavilion’s 1500 city bikes will be offered to visitors for the duration of the expo. after the completion of the world expo, the pavilion has the potential to be relocated to another urban public space as a transferium for the bikes of shanghai. the building on show is a loop which will house the exhibition ‘wellfairytales’.

the link betwen shanghai and copenhagen is that both are harbor cities, but where the two differ are in the management of their urban waterfronts. in denmark, the polluted harbor activities have been replaced by harbor parks and cultural institutions, and the water is so pure you can swim in it, whereas in shanghai the situation is not as perfect. for the danish pavilion, BIG’s aim was to try and bring the danish approach and perspective to shanghai. in the heart of the pavilion there will be a mermaid pool, filled with sea water from copenhagen’s harbor and will allow chinese guests to swim, feel and taste the water. sculptor edvard eriksen’s original ‘mermaid’ will also make its appearance, being transported from denmark to offer a true experience of danish urban life.

the project is led by BIG’s founder bjarke ingels and associate niels lund petersen in collaboration with idea bureau, 2+1 and ARUP AGU.

exterior view of danish pavilion for shanghai expo 2010