Czech Republic pavilion Shanghai Expo 2010
The Czech Republic will use ice-hockey pucks in the design of its World Expo 2010 pavilion. The white 2,000-square-meter structure will feature rubber ice-hockey pucks on its facade. The design signifies that these pucks are a significant Czech Republic export and ice hockey is its national sport.
The Shanghai Expo display will take place at a rented pavilion under the name “Fruits of Civilization.” It will spotlight the use of new technologies and renewable energy, transport solutions as well as a desire for privacy.
Visitors will experience a fictitious and magical city, modeled on Prague’s Old Town, inside the pavilion. One can “create and perform magic, travel and participate” in the city, said Pavel Stehlik, commissioner general of Czech Pavilion at Expo 2010.
Visitors will be able to walk on the pavilion’s grass while noticing a regular grid of streets above their heads. Moving from street to street, visitors will discover different artifacts or the fruits of civilization. In the pavilion, simulated factories will be projected while a module may produce colors, scents and music in a bid to arouse emotions and a more complete experience for visitors. The display will also simulate a lake surrounded by fast-growing vegetation. The design refers to environmental protection awareness.
The Czech Republic is expecting about 30,000 visitors per day to its pavilion during the 184-day Shanghai World Expo. The government has given US$8.41 million for the pavilion.