Crown of the Orient: China Pavilion for Shanghai World Expo

Among the legacies to be left by the Shanghai 2010 World Expo, the most prominent will likely be the ingeniously designed Chinese Pavilion. Nicknamed the "Crown of the Orient", the building has become a highly anticipated centerpiece for the expo.

The World Expo's Chinese Pavilion covers more than six hectares and comprises three parts: the national hall; the hall for provinces and regions; and the hall for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Its floor space totals 160-thousand square meters.

Standing about sixty-three meters tall, the Pavilion takes the shape of a square crown, with the upper levels larger than the lower ones. Completely painted in red, it embodies China's national character of enthusiasm, industry, and solidarity.

Long after the expo, the building will remain a permanent landmark in Shanghai's Pudong area. As such, the forward-thinking design will employ environmentally friendly technology and energy-saving measures. These include its sun-shade design, which uses the exterior of the pavilion as a buffer zone for heat or cold and landscaping on the roof.

The project is expected to be completed by September, this year, and will be used for conventions, exhibitions, and business once the expo ends.

Resource: CCTV   2009-08-24