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Remembering the Shanghai World Expo

By Wang Qian, Liu Xinlian & Wang Song: 0 Comments Print E-mail Expo Weekly, October 19, 2010

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Japan

Theme: Harmony of the Hearts, Harmony of the Skills

The Japan Pavilion, nicknamed "purple silkworm island" by Chinese visitors, is a semi-circular purple structure that has "antennae", making it look almost like a living, breathing organism. Sunlight shines directly into the pavilion through a double-layered membrane; solar panels collect this sunlight and use it to power the building. Pools on the roof collect rainwater to spray on the roof, keeping the building cool. The pavilion showcases both cutting-edge Japanese technologies and offbeat gadgetry, including a robot that can play the violin.

Japan Pavilion [China.org.cn]

Kazakhstan

Theme: Astana—the Heart of Eurasia

The Kazakhstan Pavilion combines features plucked from the country's traditional architecture with a modern touch. The pavilion focuses on showcasing Kazakhstan's young and dynamically developing capital, Astana; the city's economic strength and investment potential are fully explored in the pavilion's exhibits.

Kazakhstan Pavilion [China.org.cn]

Morocco

Theme: The Art of Life

Morocco is the only African country represented at the Shanghai Expo that built its own pavilion rather than renting one from the Expo. The three-story pavilion is aesthetically appealing, with a skillfully designed façade, gardens, ponds and fountains. Antiques and relics from ancient Moroccan civilization, exquisite arts and crafts as well as the country's urban development techniques are all featured at the pavilion; its museum-like atmosphere and traditional Moroccan music soundtrack complete the experience.