Architectural Analysis II: Shanghai Expo 2010...Architecture! National Pavilions

Starting from May 1, 2010 til October 31, 2010, The world gets to view an amazing array of objects and inventions from many different countries around the world. But as an architecture fan, I am much more interested in some amazing futuristic designs and their cultural significance. Shanghai Expo 2010 is home of some great cultural buildings. Here are my five favorite pavilions which are not ranked:

The Russian Pavilion

Images are from the Official Shanghai 2010 Expo Website

First of all, I'd like to point out some interesting aspects about the Russian Pavilion. First of all, the color scheme is comparable to its Orthodox Church color scheme, a mixture of gold and a tone of gray or white. Being an Orthodox Christian nation makes Russia unique and this pavilion seems to capture this difference. That's one thing I like about this structure. My stressing of architecture is also art gets some support here as this building is covered with elaborate, intricate patterns that resonates well with the rest of the building. From the image quality however, it is hard to see the tiny color tiles that form the walls between the white and gold "towers". Those colors are reminiscent of Byzantine and Roman mosaics; another distinctive cultural element in this pavilion.

The German Pavilion

Images are from the Official Shanghai 2010 Expo Website

The German Pavilion is a striking example of post-modern/futuristic architecture. The clear finish of the building provides welcoming aesthetics and the style of the pavilion is partially symbolic of Germany's strong economic position in the world; a high modern and industrial nation with aspirations for the futuristic age. One of my favorite parts of the Pavilion is the front side, marked by the characteristic colors of the German flag along with soft gray, but visually appealing words. This building, despite its arbitrary shape, is very pleasant and visually stunning proves that simple themes are very effective, however only when used correctly.


The Brazilian Pavilion

Images are from the Shanghai Expo Official Website

And here, is the bold Brazilian Pavilion. I like this pavilion because first of all, this design is very daring; it is not as futuristic and industrial looking and has a very unique color: green. Generally countries wanted to display their new economic strength by emphasizing on buildings that are next generation. But Brazil apparently likes to embrace what makes Brazil unique. Brazil is a developing nation, and also a fast growing one. But also, Brazil is also know for its soccer, its vivid rainforest and other things. This pavilion is a standing representation of Brazil's rainforest; in addition to its national colors (yellow and green). It does look pleasing, with a visibly striking green color that I personally think that in contrast with other pavilions will help the Brazilian Pavilion stand out.

The British Pavilion (Seed Cathedral)

The British Pavilion is one of the most futuristic and neat pavilions shown at the upcoming Shanghai Expo 2010. The first time I set my eyes on this amazing structure, I was amazed because I thought the building was transparent; there was no visible windows, doors, etc. It was difficult to this visually confusing structure that looks like a facade. At first it looked like a small red supernova ready to unleash its power, but now I know that it is made out of many cylinders of specialized glass. This parallels another similar glass pavilion showcased in England many years ago called the Crystal Palace. I really like the abstract design and the incredible effect created by perhaps hundreds of glass cylinders circumscribing the the structure. Perhaps it is just my opinion, but the red cross like thing in the middle of this pavilion resembles the ones on the British Flag.

The Chinese Pavilion

Images are sources found over Google.

The iconic pavilion of the host country (and my native country) is an giant red Asian Modernist style that towers over most of the other pavilions at the Expo. This structure of symbolic of the kind of Modern Asian style buildings that I would like to design when I become an architect. Red is an important color for the Chinese. It represents luck, happiness, prosperity and to some extent, love and good marriage. I really like this pavilion because it inspires awe because of the monumental nature of the structure. Try imagining yourself approaching the entrance. The inverted pyramid form of the structure creates an "overshadowing " effect as people ascend the staircase into the pavilion. The effect is created by taking advantage of the size of the structure. The other aspect that I like about this pavilion is that the structure uses characteristic Asian style beams into the upper part of the pavilion. One can't see from the pictures that I posted, but the ends of each beam (the end that is facing the observers) are carved with traditional Chinese patterns, to further emphasize the role of traditional culture in the Chinese pavilion. This incorporation of traditional building elements reflects not only China's economic surge (hence the size and splendor) but also a country's traditional elements are intact in all levels of modern Chinese society even as China becomes a growing modern industrial power.