france pavilion gears up for the opening of expo milan 2015

france pavilion gears up for the opening of expo milan 2015
image © andrea bosio

expo 2015 is around the corner and for france, their distinctive pavilion is ready to be showcased to the public. composed completely of glu-lam, the architecture practice XTU — who are known for their sustainable strategies — were commissioned to structurally convey and symbolize the country’s deep-rooted cultural and gastronomical background. keeping to the theme of ‘feeding the planet, energy for life’ inside and outside, the organic form is abstractly derived from france’s hexagonal shape and contorted by the reminiscent ripples that reflect the wider topography.

inside, the exhibit is arranged like a food market
image © andrea bosio

the project explores the use of digitally advanced techniques by using a robot and architecture software to carve out every angle of the framework. the elements making up the built structure have been innovatively crafted out, the lattice girders and pillars interlock and connect to form the unified edifice. furthermore, the complex shell is an example of the durability of wood and the method of combining technology to enable complicated free forms to be created. sheltered by the timber contours, visitors journey through the entrance route where all the senses are immersed in a combination of sights, smells, textures and technologies. the ground floor will contain exhibit boots and a distinctive market area where the structure itself forms spaces for products to be displayed along with traditional dishes, tastings, new agri-food technologies meanwhile the upper levels will host offices and a restaurant.

read more of designboom’s previous coverage on the french pavilion here.

the glue-laminated structure is made of french wood
image © andrea bosio