UK pavilion Shanghai Expo 2010
Construction began a while ago on the UK pavilion at the Shanghai Expo 2010, however it has been said that there may be some controversial changes to the original design when the project is finished towards the end of 2009.
The original design, called the “Pavilion of Ideas,” was a special “box of light” which would house 60,000 shining pixels, each ending with a tiny light source that would move when the wind blew (and Shanghai is famous for its wind!). In the evening and through the night, the pavilion would twinkle with a variety of light effects, and it would be like a romantic show.
However, this design has now been slightly changed, and the “light box” has been opened up. It now has more in common with an enormous gift box than a light box, with the present being given from the UK to China. Officials from the British Consulate-General in Shanghai are extremely pleased with the idea that the gift may symbolise diplomatic ties between the two countries. Inside the pavilion there will be an exhibition about “bringing nature back into the city”, and this popular theme of regeneration can be seen throughout the Shanghai Expo 2010 in a number of different pavilions.
Five British corporations – Diageo, BP, GKN, AstraZeneca and Barclays – will invest half a million pounds each for the pavilion, and the rest will be paid for by the British government, who can clearly see the importance in strengthening ties with China and the business potential that this holds.
Keep checking back for more information about the UK pavilion Shanghai Expo 2010 in the near future!