Daniel Libeskind

Vanke Pavilion | Expo 2015 . Milan

Daniel Libeskind . photos: © Studio Libeskind . + domusweb

Commissioned by the innovative Chinese real estate company, Vanke, the pavilion was inspired by traditional Chinese landscape painting—rock formations, rice fields, and prehistoric outcrops. The pavilion aims to tell the story of civilization, technology and the 21st Century as well as offer a space for reflection and a celebration of different cultures.

Situated on the edge of the Lake Arena, 1000-square meter pavilion appears to rise from the east forming a dynamic vertical landscape. The design features a sinuous geometrical pattern that flows between inside and outside. The red serpentine form carves an opening up the middle to a grand staircase clad in a white mosaic tile. A roof-top observation desk will provide stunning views of the lake and near-by Italian pavilion. The pavilion is clad in a three-dimensional red metalized tile that Libeskind designed with the Italian company Casalgrande Padana, the geometric ceramic panels not only create an expressive pattern, but they possess highly sustainable self-cleaning and air purification properties.
The exhibition is organized on two independent routes, from the inside towards the outside, and with a garden that is found on the roof. Inside visitors encounter a constellation of more than 300 screens mounted on a matrix of bamboo armatures. Short films weave throughout the series of screens capturing a glimpse into the everyday life of ordinary Chinese citizens expressing the importance of the Shitang in their daily lives.
The Pavilion will open in May 1, 2015 and will remain on view till October 31, 2015.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Ramboll UK Ltd
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Deerns Italia Spa
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Deerns Italia Spa
PLUMBING ENGINEER
Deerns Italia Spa
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Deerns Italia Spa
CONTRACTOR
Bodino Engineering Srl (Pavilion) Nussli (Exhibition)
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER
Ramboll UK Ltd
SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT
Deerns Italia SpA
PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
J& A Consultants
ARTIST
Ralph Appelbaum Associates (Media Content and Exhibit Design)