Trees and nature to represent Norway at Shanghai Expo in 2010

Today it was decided who will design the concept for Norway's pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo in 2010. With their joint proposal "The Nature of Norway", Helen & Hard Arkitektkontor, Sweco in Norway and Melvær&Lien Idéentreprenører were chosen as the winners.

"The nature of Norway"

The team Helen&Hard, Melvær&Lien Ideentreprenører and Sweco is questioning what qualities in our nature can be relevant for China in the context of sustainability and urbanism.
 
The intention is to connect the concept of sustainability, which covers the full range from use of resources and energy to social aspects and identity and a new architecture for the pavilion. This will be achieved by inviting visitors to take a walk in a forest represented by fifteen "trees" of varying heights that symbolise Norwegian nature expressed in an organic yet high-tech manner.

The walk will take visitors through different aspects of Norway. It is not nature in its original form, but a poetic version that embodies central elements of our country and culture. The pavilion is a landscape that contains spaces for physical activity, rest and well-being and a social arena for experiences and learning connected to sustainability.
 
The pavilion will be given new life by replanting the fifteen trees, each of which can be dismantled and reassembled in another location. Through their shape and use of materials, the trees can represent several different functions. The objective is to convey the idea that sustainability consists of an interplay between natural cycles. The team suggests finding fifteen sites in Shanghai and other locations in China that can be offered a tree after the Expo ends. This can contribute to meeting a need at the specific site - for example at a playground or a park. The goal of the project is to make a small contribution toward realising the Expo's own vision.