Sierra Leone at Expo 2015 Milano... Rice Cluster

Pic courtesy Sierra Leone pavilion.

Theme "Food Security – A Means to the Agenda for Prosperity"

The Concept

The West African state of Sierra Leone is an area of potentially arable land that extends over millions of hectares, of which only 10% is actually cultivated at present.

Rice is the dominant crop of the country, with an annual per capita consumption of about 104 kg, which is among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Rice is cultivated both in the high plains and in other ecological regions, sometimes even with rudimentary techniques. However, efforts to increase production have improved the country’s level of self-sufficiency from 57.45% in 2002, to 71% in 2007.

The promotion of national rice production is a key strategy for improving food security, stimulating economic growth and increasing household income.

Eradicating hunger, thirst and malnutrition is one of the objectives of Expo Milano 2015. To support its implementation, the government of Sierra Leone is committed to producing a balanced diet from a nutritional standpoint, to assessing the effectiveness of the typical model of agriculture in its villages, and to ensuring that sources for human subsistence (soil and water) are protected. This goal is the inspiration for its participation, with an exhibition space of 125 square meters within the Rice Cluster.

Sierra Leone offers visitors the full experience of a "smart farm," a place where the skills of various individuals meet to reach a common goal. The "smart farm" practices rice cultivation, sustainable fishing, and raising chickens and small livestock; there are centers for health and nutritional education, schools, markets, irrigation and energy-production systems. One of its objectives is to study this economic model with an Italian research institution.

Source : http://www.expo2015.org/en/

Pavilion of Mexico... Concept and Architecture

 

Theme "Mexico, the Seed for the New World: Food, Diversity and Heritage"

The Concept

Mexico is home to a wide variety of plants, animals and ecosystems: a true cradle of biodiversity. This wealth is tied closely to an ancient culture and to one of the most diverse, sophisticated, and assorted gastronomies of the world, so much so that in 2010 Mexican cuisine was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Its history is made up of flavors, a cultural model that harmonizes and combines agricultural activities, rituals, traditional practices, wisdom, techniques and culinary habits, unique tools - such as the metate or the molcajete - and communal activities.

In joining Expo Milano 2015, Mexico seeks to show visitors the wealth of its natural resources and biodiversity, and its commitment to finding solutions for a world free from hunger, malnutrition and unsustainable food production practices. It also seeks to present its contribution to the global production of a large number of foods with healing properties.

Pavilion Architecture

Since its first participation in a Universal Exhibition (Philadelphia in 1876), Mexico has always delivered an impressive pavilion that captures the imagination. The fundamental theme of Expo Milano 2015 is sustainability, being as much a driving principle for feeding the world's population, as a criteria for architectural design, in terms of eco-friendly materials, ease of construction and dismantling, and fulfilling proposed programs.The architect Francisco López Guerra Almada, together with Jorge Vallejo and consulting biologist Juan Guzzy, designed the winning proposal of the international competition based on the most typical Mexican food: corn.

Indeed, its large external structure, inspired by the shape of a big corn cob, covers the 1,910 square-meter pavilion, set in a prime location at the intersection of the two main avenues. The interior offers an all-encompassing exhibition of typical produce, edged by a stream of water that gives life to the gardens and takes visitors along spiral ramps, to explore the gastronomic, ecological and cultural riches of Mexico.

More information about the pavilion of Mexico

Ecuador pavilion... the project...

Theme "Journey to the Center of Life"

The Concept For the first time, Ecuador participates with its own pavilion at a Universal Exposition, with the commitment and responsibility to show the world the essence of the people of Ecuador, the value of its natural and human resources and its cultural and environmental heritage.

Ecuador’s biodiversity is divided into four regions (Amazon, coastal, Sierra or Andean tract and islands) and together with the country’s diversity of ethnic groups, has resulted in a variety of culinary cultures. In the same country you can enjoy everything from coastal dishes using resources from the sea, to recipes made from Andean grains and to the dishes prepared by the ethnic groups of the Amazon. The chosen theme, "Journey to the Center of Life", celebrates the fact that Ecuador is centrally located on the planet as well as the word “center” referring to the origin, the essence and the beginning of everything.

The title also refers to the “Journey to the Center of the Earth” by Jules Verne. Ecuador wants to pay homage to Darwin’s journey aboard the H.M.S. Beagle to the Galapagos Islands, which the scientist called the "center of creation" and the Islands were critical in the development of his theory on the origins of species. The Pavilion’s design is divided into four themes: the first; A Diverse Country, highlights the different regional landscapes as a core of the country’s identity. The second area; Food as a Social Collective, is richer in content and information, and works to explain what is behind its dishes through a selection of representative products of traditional Ecuadorian food. The third area is entitled, Live Well, (in Quechua Sumak Kawsay) it offers a space for reflection, where the visitor can rest and think about the message just received in an area full of images, sounds and sensations. Finally the fourth area, Amor, is the most fun part of the Pavilion, and will bring a bit of Ecuador to Milan, in the form of a restaurant and a multifunctional space.

Source : http://www.expo2015.org/en/

Malta at Expo 2015 Milano... the project

Theme "Derived from the Past, Preserved for the Future, Experienced at Expo Milano 2015"

Concept

Malta is an island of aromas and traditions, home to a colorful gastronomy that has captured the essence of the culture and civilization of the three continents that border the Mediterranean. The ancient Greeks called it Melite, from the Greek word "meli," which means honey. Honey, emblematic of the sun caressing the island, nourishing it and symbol of the sweetness of the Maltese people, has been used as an ingredient in many dishes since ancient times. With its participation in the Bio-Mediterraneum Cluster, Malta looks to express its commitment to maintaining the culture, traditions and cuisine of the past in order to pass them on to future generations, to be tasted and enjoyed at Expo Milano 2015.

In Malta, there is a native species of bee, which every month, collects pollen from different flowers, producing a variety of honey flavors. Visitors, through digital technologies, can explore the rich variety of Mediterranean produce through the eyes of a hardworking bee. But that’s not all. They can embark on a journey through its delicacies, summer festivals, winter nights, the colors of its cuisine and the surprises of an island that has not lingered in the past.

Source : http://www.expo2015.org/en

Vanke pavilion... the Dragon is really ready ! Fire !!!!

This pavilion will be certainly one of the most incredible of the Expo 2015 Milano...

A dragon under the sun of Milano !!

...the “Shitang”, designed by Architect Daniel Libeskind For Expo 2015 in Milano.

A Venue to Foster Joy and Harmony for the Chinese

Concept

The Chinese giant and leader in real estate, with its participation in Expo Milano 2015 aims to offer the world a showpiece of contemporary life in China, from the perspective of ordinary people, through the experience and spirit of the Shitang. In its pavilion of 959 square meters are recreated the atmospheres linked to the Shitang which, much more than a simple canteen, represents a traditional social structure, present since ancient times, and which still exists in contemporary Chinese society in various forms. It is a convivial space where they can find inexpensive food and a peaceful, healthy environment.

The participation of the construction company Vanke is one of the three faces of China’s presence at Expo Milano 2015 which is divided into three different pavilions that are separate but interconnected with each another: the China Pavilion, the China Corporate United Pavilion, and the Vanke Pavilion.

The Pavilion Architecture
The pavilion, located near the Lake Arena, was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind of New York and by Libeskind Architettura in Milan, which conceived it as an extension of the surrounding landscape. The musicality of its proportions, its sinuous geometry and the fluid movement between the inner and outer volume, create a journey through space and time.

The exhibition is organized on two independent routes, from the inside towards the outside, and with a garden that is found on the roof. Visitors are immersed in a forest of poles, with screens which project scenes of lunches, joy, and sharing. The installation, based on the metaphor of roots, trunks and branches symbolizes Vanke’s commitment to the community, which lives among the mutual relationships of people, values and traditions.

Pics courtesy Vanke Pavilion

http://www.vanke2015expo.com/index-thirdd.html

Montenegro pavilion project...

Theme "Healthy with Every Bite!"

The Concept

A small country with big opportunities. An understanding of its own values​​, of the significance and necessity of self-sufficiency, and a strong desire for change, have all led to important and rapid progress in Montenegro’s agricultural development. The theme of Expo Milano 2015: Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life perfectly frames a cultural model and the efforts of Montenegro as it promotes its traditions, whilst responding to new economic and scientific influences.

As proof of its focused attention on the respect and protection of the environment, on September 20, 1991, Montenegro’s parliament endorsed the "Declaration on the Ecological State of Montenegro", making it the first country in the world to make a declaration of this kind.

Its geographical location and climatic variety foster rich agricultural production, with an organic sector that offers many products of superior quality. Tourism is also crucial and has a special role in the Exposition.

With an exhibition space of 250 square meters in the Bio-Mediterraneum Cluster, Montenegro presents typical food and drink, interactive tools and galleries, and promotes its identity and image as a growing country, and a popular tourist destination within in the Balkans.

Source : http://www.expo2015.org/en/

Senegal pavilion... the Project !

Theme "Produce, Nourish and Protect: the Challenges of Food Security and Sustainable Development in Senegal"

The Concept

Senegal is taking part in Expo Milano 2015 within the Arid Zones Cluster, with the intention of showing the efforts being made to develop its agricultural sector. These efforts aim to ensure food security in the face of environmental conditions that are not always favorable. Soil degradation, climate change, water scarcity and population growth are just some of the key challenges to achieving this goal.

The philosophy that guides the country is to adapt to changing climatic conditions, trying to meet the food needs of its people, while respecting the environment. To do this, educational programs have been created that lead to responsible behaviors among those involved in food production as consumers. It is also encouraging the purchase and consumption of local produce, communicating its long-term benefits.

The Senegalese pavilion has chosen as its symbol the baobab tree, one of the most impressive in the world, providing nourishment and protection to thousands of people. Visitors can get to know and discover the protected marine areas of Senegal, study innovations adopted by new fish farms and the aquaculture techniques that are being employed. They are also able to taste products typical of the Senegalese cuisine made from millet, corn, rice, papaya and discover their links with traditional culture.

Source : http://www.expo2015.org/en/

Senegal pavilion Facebook Page

Vietnam pavilion... the project...

Theme "Water and Lotus"

The Concept

Water is the most important element in the world for the nourishment and life of all living things, yet in reality, it is threatened by the effects of pollution, overfishing and waste.

The lotus flower is widespread in Vietnam, growing from the mud and expressing a disarming beauty with a capacity for purifying the water in which it thrives. This double image was chosen to convey the message of Vietnam to the international community about its commitment to actively protecting the environment and water resources.

Rice, coffee, pepper, dried fruits and seafood are its most exported products and are exhibited at Expo Milano 2015 in 887 square meters, giving maximum emphasis to the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

Video, graphics, catalogs, leaflets, but also art objects, ceramics and three shows a day are the means by which it shares with all participating Countries and visitors the wealth of its culture and food, conveying particular consideration for Italy with whom it enjoys a close diplomatic friendship.

Source : http://www.expo2015.org/en

Qatar pavilion... at Expo 2015 Milano... the project...

Theme "Seeding Sustainability Innovative Solutions for Food Security"

The Concept

Qatar is a desert country, made up of long stretches of sand and dunes, whose inhabitants have always sought creative ways to address the challenges of a lack of food and water. For its water supply, the country has invested in the desalination of sea water, while its food supply has relied almost exclusively on imports.

At Expo Milano 2015 Qatar wants to show its commitment to safe, healthy and convenient food.
From its greenhouses to the table, from scientific laboratories to sport, the country is committed to seeding sustainability, or to achieve a healthy, safe and convenient, through solutions that are socially, economically and ecologically sustainable. Qatar is committed to building a culture of "healthy living" through the promotion of sports and scientific research for the responsible management of water and precious resources of its land.

The Qatar Pavilion showcases the latest technologies in a holistic, interactive and informative experience: it creates an oasis of innovation, invention, energy, industry and green technologies.

The Design of the Pavilion

The architecture of the Qatar Pavilion recalls the traditional market – the souq - with internal paths in Arabian forms. It covers an area of 2,450 square meters and it consists of a large central space with a circular structure at the center that is reminiscent of the form of the traditional food basket - the jefeer - symbolizing the interweaving of local dimensions and global innovation which characterizes Qatar.
A roof top garden and innovative technologies complete the interactive experience that Qatar offers its visitors to Expo Milano 2015, developing the theme of “Seeding Sustainability: Innovative Solutions for Food Security”. The country supports the culture of healthy living through the promotion of sport and the responsible management of water and Earth’s natural resources.

Source :  http://www.expo2015.org/en/

Bolivia pavilion... in the cluster Cereals and Tubers

Theme: "Quinoa, a Future Sown Thousands of Years Ago

The Concept
The growth of the global population, the effects of climate change and resulting food issues, is a challenge being addressed by the whole world. This is where Bolivia’s traditional farming industry of quinoa could help. The Inca population called it “chisaya mama,” or the mother of all cereals. At Expo Milano 2015, all its nutritional properties, recognized by the FAO will be on show. It features genetic variety and is cultivated with organic methodology in small communities to benefit thousands of families. Quinoa could be an answer to the problem of hunger around the world, a gift from the past to help the present and the future of our planet.

The nutritional value of quinoa is excellent, containing all essential amino acids and many healing properties. Bolivia’s mission is to get back to the cultivation of quinoa as an icon of wisdom and harmony with nature. Bolivia seeks to represent the concept of Mother Earth as a dynamic system where there are many invisible connections among living things, sharing the same destiny. This is also the inspiring concept for Bolivia’s gastro-cultural and scientific activities inside its pavilion.

It is possible to taste quinoa and other Bolivian specialties inside the 125-square meter pavilion. There will also be events, seminars and meetings with Bolivian agricultural companies and show cooking activities.

https://www.facebook.com/BoliviaExpoMilan2015

Egypt pavilion in the Bio-Mediterraneo cluster...

Theme "Isis, the Flying Seed: the Incomplete Journey"

The Concept
Now is the time for the Egyptians to share their knowledge of food and renewable energy sources through a showcase of success stories. Egypt is a leading country in the Southern Mediterranean, both for its past and for the potential it can bring to the future. This belief finds expression in its pavilion at Expo Milano 2015, through two key elements: a timeline and a series of maps. History is narrated by the figure of Isis, universal symbol of fertility, offering two conceptual dimensions: globally, as a metaphor of communication and transformation; locally, as the bearer of life and resurrection.

Egypt's pavilion is present in the Bio-Mediterranean Cluster, with an exhibition space measuring ​​375 square meters, and a restaurant managed by a team of Egyptian chefs. Egypt relays events, times of greatness and historical figures over thousands of years, narrating them in global, regional or local terms, and in relation to the history of Mankind and food. "Genes and Memes" is a themed journey through the very "genes," or original characteristics of food, and the "memes," or ingredients and imported foods, which are intermingled within the Egyptian culture.

Beyond what has already taken place, Egypt is aware that you have to establish a new way of going forward and stimulate untapped potential: this is the journey ahead.

http://expo2015-milano.blogspot.fr/search/label/Egypt

Moldova pavilion... Work in Progress !...

...and installation of the Sun tracking device :

Sun Flower — the Outdoor Facility
Outside the pavilion (glass cube) there is a constantly moving (rotating) triple cube of mirrors. The cube is illuminated by mirrors, located in the corners of the roof. The mirrors compose a system that follows the movement of the sun throughout the day and reflects the sunlight to the cube above the pavilion. Thus, the whole area of the pavilion, both inside and on the outside, will be bathed in a solar "rain", this magical effect perpetuating throughout the day.

More details about the Moldova pavilion...

Turkish pavilion project at Expo 2015 Milano... in video 3D !!!

It just remains 1 month to built this pavilion... Let's go Turkey !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKyZ_ZChAKg 

http://www.turkeyexpo2015.com/en/index.html

Cambodia pavilion... Rice cluster

 

Theme "Rice Crop Grown on the Cambodian Land Rich in Cultural Heritage"

The Concept

 

Cambodia is an important crossroads for China, India and Southeast Asia, and is known around the world for its unspoilt nature, cultivation of rice, culture, art, and warm hospitality. The Kingdom of Cambodia has decided to give the utmost emphasis to the importance of its rice, which benefits from the rich alluvial sediment that fertilizes the Mekong and central areas, together with the lake and river system of Tonle Sap, providing a natural irrigation of rice fields.

The opportunity for cultural exchange offered by Milan Expo 2015 allows Cambodia to be known for what it really is, a land rich in history and economic potential.

As one of the largest producers of rice in Asia, Cambodia is participating in the Universal Exposition in the Rice Cluster with an exhibition space of 125 square meters, taking full responsibility for deepening understanding of technologies used in agricultural crop management, of irrigation systems, of the food supply chain, and of aspects that combine culture with nature.

There are many remarkable aspects of Cambodian history – from the Baray Toek Thla irrigation system of the 11th century, to the watersheds of King Indravarman I, and to the religious respect that the farmers have for rice. Indeed rice finds its greatest expression in the ploughing ceremonies held in the lunar months of Pisak, and in Dalean, its harvest festival, providing a wealth of ancestral knowledge to be shared with pride and projected towards a sustainable future.

Source : http://www.expo2015.org/en/

Learn more about Malaysia Pavilion

Designed by Hijjas Architects + Planners, the Malaysia Pavilion for Expo 2015 takes the shape of four seeds to celebrate the rainforest seeds and its rich biodiversity.

Read the article on domus website... 

http://www.domusweb.it/en/news/2015/03/23/expo_2015_malaysia_pavilion_.html

Dutch Festival at Expo 2015 Milano...

For centuries the Dutch have come up with solutions for issues around food, water and energy and we do this in our own particular way: Share Grow Live. This story is told at the pavilion through a central exhibition and temporary shows about, among others the future of fruits and vegetables, new ways of producing food and the relationship between food and technology. Food art and artificial food aren’t forgotten either.

Each day will see tastings, demonstrations, workshops and performances so that a true festival atmosphere will emerge. And of course there are many great things to eat, ranging from Dutch classics like “bitterballs” and “stroopwafels” to exciting new dishes. The greenhouse restaurant, food trucks and the Ferris wheel cater to all tastes.

Kids will enjoy treasure hunts, workshops and other fun things.

Seminars, lectures, meet and greets and other activities will ensure business visitors will spend their time at the pavilion in a pleasant and useful way.

http://expo2015-milano.blogspot.fr/2015/02/netherlands-pavilion-at-expo-2015-milano.html

EXPO2015xNL Facebook Page