Already on the 1958 World EXPO in Brussels Norway participated with a pavilion in laminated wood, designed by the world known architect Sverre Fehn. For the 2010 EXPO in Shanghai Norway reintroduces laminated wood, with 15 representations with Norwegian trees, designed by the architect office Helen & Hard.
The trees are of various heights and each tree has roots that are grounded in the fundament into the ground. Each tree has four branches and varies from five to 15 metres in height. From the tip of the branches a canvas is strapped and dragged, which gives a roof with a dramatic span seen from the outside. It has a sharp and purely aesthetic expression. The roof rises and falls dramatically, giving associations to the ocean, coast and mountains. From within the pavilion the construction will give an airy and spacious feeling.
The concept focuses on how energy and power from nature influence people and the relationship between urban areas and the surrounding areas. One of Norway’s main goals is to present the foremost of Norwegian research and science during EXPO 2010 in Shanghai. Science can in particular assist to attach the Norwegian contribution to the main theme for this EXPO, ”Better City, Better Life”. The Norwegian pavilion will be an arena to show Norwegian ideas, thoughts and visions.
Inside the pavilion the audience will be introduced to the Norwegian landscape. The nature will alternate between being the framework for various stories about Norwegian ways of life and cities, to being the main message and attraction itself. The audience will see how Norway utilizes natural resources and they will also get a glance at Norwegian science, research and innovation. The framework of the exhibition inside the pavilion will be different Norwegian landscapes; the coast, the forest, the fjords and mountains.
Also in the pavilion, the visitor area has been organized in three clear parts that all the visitors will be invited to experience. In the first part the audience will experience how one by using renewable energy like sun, wind and sea-wave power can contribute to better air quality and climate in urban areas. In the second part the visitors will experience the Norwegian forest. However, not in the traditional sense, but in the shape of a ”knowledge tree”. The main focus here will be how knowledge sharing between Norway and China can create new sustainable solutions. This is the area that is intended for the various research projects, them being city planning, science of building material and science of engineering with trees, deforestation and planting of trees. In the last part the audience will meet the fjords and water.
Throughout the 1800s Norway did not have much to contribute with, but participated eagerly with products and stands at several exhibitions. At the first World Exhibition in 1851, Norway participated with only 14 displayed products, but already in 1862 it had reached 259 products. Norway, in union with Sweden at the time, had no independent foreign policy. For this reason it was important for the Norwegian trade and industry sector to show that Norway was a modern and self- conscious nation that had more to offer than fjords and mountains, moose and vikings. In Paris in 1867 the exhibition for the first time exhibited national pavilions. In a dedicated park various nations displayed national folk culture. Here Norway exhibited a Norwegian traditional store-house (stabbur).
For the first time an EXPO is held in a developing country, and for the first time urbanism and city life is the theme. China and Asia’s big cities face enormous challenges when it comes to the environment, education and life quality. It is possible that Norway have solutions to some of these problems and challenges. Norway has rich experience and advanced technology in environmental research and development. Norway may be reelected the best country fit for human habitation for five years in a row, and this is not without relations to the "sustainable development" concept and environmental awareness of business and citizens, and is closely related to the advanced Norwegian environmental technology.
During the 184 days of the EXPO there will be possibilities for both big and small seminars, conferences and meetings, along with permanent and temporary exhibitions.
EXPO Ticket Regulations:
1. Individual Standard Day - Single Day Admission tickets: refers to the tickets for all visiting days (167 days in total) except for Peak Days during the Expo. Peak Days include "Labor Day" Holiday (May 1-3, 2010), "National Day" Holiday (Oct. 1-7, 2010), and the last week before the closing date (Oct. 25 – 31, 2010), 17 days in total. One ticket per person, valid for one entry on the day of admission.
2. The Expo tickets will be available for purchase via authorized agents, travel agents and the Expo Bureau.
3. For information on Expo tickets, visit the Expo official website (www.expo2010.cn) where a Ticketing Bulletin will be issued by the Expo Bureau. You may also dial the Expo hotline at +86-21-962010.
How to be a volunteer at the Norwegian pavilion:
The BI-Fudan CMP/MBA alumni/students who would like to participate as volunteers at the Norwegian pavilion should send their resumè to the following e-mail address, stating clearly that they are students from BI, interested in being volunteers: expo2010shanghai@innovasjonnorge.no
How to be a volunteer in general:
Visit the EXPO Volunteer recruitement website, where you will find the Guide to Volunteer Signup, with requirements and obligations for volunteers. Find a suitable post, and go through with the volunteer registration.
Website: https://www.fdsm.fudan.edu.cn/fdrs/jump?link=!!61!@172!@240!@69/sh_sbzyz/page/index!@html
Tel: 021-962010
Email: expovol@qq.com
This article is based on extracts from the website “Norway at World EXPO 2010, Shanghai”:
