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Koelnmesse International GmbH
Messeplatz 1
D-50679 Köln

Tel: +49 221 821 0
Fax: +49 221 821 3013
Email: expo2010-germany@koelnmesse.de
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Balance in the pavilion's architecture

Skizze Entwurfskonzeption
Design sketch

The aim of the German Pavilion is to provide inspiration on how quality of life and diversity in cities can be enhanced by ensuring that the elements of which they are composed interact in harmony. The balance between renewal and preservation, community and individual development and globalisation and nationality is the core topic of the exhibition and is also reflected in the pavilion’s architectural design.

Die Besucher wandern durch die Landschaft Richtung Eingang in die städtischen Räumen von balancity
Visitors will stroll through the landscape towards the entrance to balancity's urban spaces

Rather than being conceived as a building, the pavilion is meant to be a three-dimensional walk-through sculpture with no defined interior or exterior. Instead, the EXPO Plaza (the square in front of the German Pavilion) and the surrounding landscape will simply flow into the pavilion.

„Promenade d’Architecture“ – on the way through balancity

The architecture will give the exhibition a “shell”, facilitating it and giving it space to develop. The design takes its lead from the classic “promenade d’architecture” – guiding visitors through balancity. They will move along a pre-defined route, sometimes on bridges, sometimes on escalators and moving walkways, through various rooms and atmospheres that alternate and create the impression of a long promenade.

The balance in the pavilion-architecture

Isometrie der Ausstellungskörper
Isometric drawing of the exhibition structures

Four large exhibition structures symbolise the interplay between the forces involved when loads are carried and applied, leant and supported. Seen in isolation, each exhibition structure is out of balance. It is only when they interact that a stable balance is created, reflecting the idea of balancity in its architecture.
The exhibition structures form a large roof above the landscape that will offer visitors shade and protection from the rain. The result is a fascinating alternation between interior and exterior spaces, light and shade, constructed and natural elements, city and countryside. From this green, terraced landscape, visitors will embark on their journey through the urban spaces of “balancity”.  More than seven million people will be able to visit the pavilion during the 184 days of the EXPO.

 

Designed specifically for the German Pavilion at EXPO 2010, the high degree of complexity of this structure is belied by its playful, lighthearted air – an impressive demonstration of state-of-the-art German technology in balancity.

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