Architecture of Austrian Pavilion

December 20, 2009

Austria participates in the EXPO 2010 in Shanghai with a 2000m2 exhibition pavilion– designed by SPAN & Zeytinoglu Architects.

The contract for the design of the Austrian pavilion at the EXPO 2010 in Shanghai was awarded within the framework of an award procedure on EU level and by unanimous jury decision. The winner project of the Viennese architecture offices SPAN & ZEYTINOGLU Architects is called "Austria – Feel the Harmony". The Austrian performance reflects the harmonious interaction of city, landscape, nature, urban habitats and urban cultural landscapes in a pavilion design that addresses all senses and that is innovative in regard to architecture as well as realisation. In this way, the Austrian performance definitely measures up to the sub-theme chosen by Austria, i.e. "Interaction between rural and urban areas".

Matias del Campo from SPAN & ZEYTINOGLU Architects on the opportunities offered, considered from an architectural point of view: "The competition for the Austrian Pavilion in Shanghai provided us with the opportunity to establish our ideas on elegance and form, synaesthetical experience, continuity and topological area in an international project, thereby creating a platform for the presentation of Austria. "

Chinese and Austrian Elements The winning project showcases itself by means of dynamic-abstract architecture; the porcelain surface elegantly alludes to the century-long tradition of chinaware being exported from China to Europe. In a rather symbolic way, Austria transports back to China with its pavilion an architecture object, seemingly porcelain. The colour design of red and white not only displays the colours of the Austrian ensign; with the colour red it furthermore integrates the traditional Chinese colour for luck and happiness.

Project Description "The driving force behind the concept of the Austrian Pavilion may be described as sound reflecting the harmonious continuity in the form of the architectural body and the smooth transition of the rooms created. The room is vaulted from the inside towards the outside, from the main room, the music room, towards the epiderm. In this way, there are created cases enwrapping the main room and accomodating further functions. Each of these cases forms in itself a point of programme being integrated in the overall structure and also displaying qualities that are created inbetween rural landscapes and urban structures. The central area makes it possible to alternately present different points of the programme, as the rich music heritage of Austria, covering the period from classical music up to the present, forms the basis of an audio-visual stimulation. Through the projection, it is possible to create visualisation alongside curved areas and, in this way, support the concept of the topological area and its smooth room transitions. " (SPAN)

Interactive and Multimedia Visualisation Another highlight of the pavilion design is the multimedia and interactive visualisation. The entire pavilion becomes a stage for Austria: typical Austrian imagery is projected on to walls, ceiling and floor. The visitors may get an idea of Austria in an emotional and playful sort of way and experience the country with all five senses.

Topics : Austrian Pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai, the 7th World Exposition 2010 Shanghai China, World Expo Shangai 2010, Architecture of Austria Pavilion. Source: expoaustria.at