norway pavilion at shanghai world expo 2010

with the theme ‘norway: powered by nature’, the norwegian pavilion by architectural studio helen & hard was constructed with 15 model trees made from norway’s pine trees and chinese bamboo. the pavilion aims to present norway’s harmonious relationship with nature and its reverence for the environment. each tree is dedicated to a different city in china. after the expo, the trees can be easily dismantled and erected at other locations serving as shaded park installation, playground or a social meeting place.

image © designboom

the model trees are covered by a semi-transparent roof which creates the effect of blue skies when the sun shines through it. additionally, the roof is a four point sail membrane construction with teflon coated ETFE, a superior paint for resisting corrosion in harsh environments. during the night, dreamlike northern lights shows are staged on the roof through projections. here visitors enjoy special concerts against the backdrop of lights from the arctic circle.

image © designboom

image © designboom

in the coastline section, installations of large screens describe norwegians’ applications of solar, wind and wave energy. meanwhile the forest section allows visitors to watch movies of the country’s natural scenery and daily lives. the nation’s fishing industry is introduced in the fjord department. finally, in the area dedicated to the north pole, visitors are educated on the importance of these wastelands to the global climate change.

image © designboom

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