The first Scandinavian country broke ground on its pavilion site for the 2010 Shanghai Expo. Construction on the Swedish pavilion is now underway. Here's a glimpse at its design and a sneak peek at two big Asian pavilions.
The unique choreographed moves of the construction diggers are supposed to help depict the name of the Swedish Pavilion. "the Spirit of Innovation".
The 3000-square-meter building will be divided into four sections by a crossroad in the image of the Swedish national flag. The building also represents the meeting of urban and nature 3 sections of the pavilion will showcase Swedish urban areas and the other one an open-air terrace.
The pavilion is expected to come with a 10-million US dollar price tag but the Swedish government hopes to attract a buyer after Expo so the building can remain.
Japan has just released its detailed pavilion display. The silkworm-shaped building will consist of 3 sections, exhibiting past, present and future.
Construction on the pavilion started in February, and upon completion will become Japan's largest exibition hall overseas.
Along the Puxi bank the China aviation enterprise pavilion has also started its construction and released its design plans. This will be the first aviation enterprise pavilion in the World Expo history. The cloud-shaped building will cost 280 million yuan, and is scheduled for completion in March next year.
(CCTV April 22, 2009)