The Russia Pavilion at EXPO 2010 in Shanghai

(In cooperation with ABTB)

Architects: Mikhail KrymovAleksei Goriainov, Timur Bashkaev

Client: "MIRAX GROUP"

Project Development: 2008

1. PROJECT TITLE
«The New Earth»

2. IDEA DESCRIPTION
This project has 3 main objectives:

First, the pavilion’s general concept is to create a positive, modern, and dynamic image. Project’s technical challenges and ambitions allow demonstrating at EXPO 2010 the nation’s abilities and desire to emerge.

Second, the entire pavilion’s structure reflects the exhibition slogan – Better City, Better Life – and fits the objective of modeling a city of the future. Our priority was not only to create a vivid shape but primarily to employ in the design the principles of total urban reconstruction, which have been actively developed in the last years. Thus, the very pavilion may be seen as our country’s contribution to finding possible solutions for the global megalopolises problem.

Third, the internal structure of the pavilion and the proposed zoning of the exhibition reflect the project general ideology. The lower level is dedicated to the nation’s material achievements in economy, industry, transportation, construction. The exhibition in the flying capsules is dedicated to the spiritual life of the society: culture, arts, family values. The capsules are joined by the central atrium exhibition in the body of the arc dedicated to innovative urban development ideas.

The theme of EXPO 2010 is the modern city and possibilities of developing and improving the quality of life. The proposed design reflects the theme as it represents a new urban structure segment on a small scale and serves as a symbol of a modern approach to urban development and reconstruction.

The pavilion’s idea is based on an innovative concept, which is revealed through the exhibition in the atrium gallery.

This concept is a principled and universal proposal for modernizing any megalopolis. It has been created using the experience in designing numerous transportation and transfer points and rebuilding Moscow industrial zones. The necessity of creating a new approach to megalopolis development is long overdue, and we see it possible to use our concept for creating the ideology and image foundation for the Russia Pavilion at EXPO 2010.

The pavilion comprises three zones, each having different meaning and space:

  1. Covered exhibition space under the arc (3300 sq m) is intended for the main exhibition,
  2. forums and events. The absence of vertical supporting units and the use of light mobile stained glass partitions allow for any hall configuration and for outlay changes during the exhibition. The exhibition is dedicated to the nation’s material achievements. 
  3. Open green arc cover is intended for walking on, and sightseeing of both the pavilion
  4. and the exhibition from, a different, green recreational level. Also, the entrance to the capsules is located on the same level. The body of the arc contains a 400 sq m round hall. The exhibition dedicated to urban development ideas is built along the perimeter of the hall, which includes 4 niches.
  5. Third level is located inside the four capsules. One capsule is built into the arc, and three
  6. capsules are flying. The exhibitions in the capsules approximately follow the topics of sports, education, arts, culture, and the main subject, family values.

 

3.VERTICAL ACCESS, EVACUATION

Unrestricted access to the main exhibition is provided from the ground level through the main entrances in the stained glass partitions of the arc. The entire green surface is one pedestrian area, from which the capsules can be accessed. In the hall of the central atrium, a stairway is located, which connects the ground level with the arc’s green roof through the round hall in the body of the arc. The access to the upper capsule and evacuation therefrom is possible through an inclined travellator and a ramp. The design allows for protecting the passages from the elements with a light translucent cover. The evacuation from the hall inside the arc is effected through the hall No1 and further through the green surface of the arc. To access the “flying” capsules, visitors with disabilities will use elevators heading to the halls No2 and No3 and the passage to the travellator to the hall No4.

4.CONSTRUCTIVE SOLUTIONS

The 80-meter-spanned arc consists of 5 arc girders in 9-meter increments with a truce tie in a 10-cm-thick coupling. Into the central beam, the 18-meter-diameter atrium ring is embedded. The 9-meter spans and the central, 18-meter span, are covered with secondary, adjustable- height girders. The green roof will be covered with sports turf. The continuous soil layer is 20-cm thick. Bush and trees roots are planted in the vats located between the girders.

Load bearing capacity of the capsule floor covering is secured by a volumetric bottom girder in the lower quarter of the capsule. The casing with curved apertures is made of carbon fiber.

The upper capsule is supported by inclined columns so that the capsule’s center of gravity remains outside the base of the bundle of columns. Constructive stability is provided by 2 trusses, which hold a capsule tightened to the arc.
Additional stability to the second and third capsules is provided by the inclined elevator shafts, which abut the ground.

CONCLUSION

The proposed design of the Russia Pavilion at EXPO 2010 is aimed at creating an attractive image of the nation and reflects the exhibition’s main theme – modeling a city of the future.

5. TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC DATA

Lot area                                 5600 sq m
Building area                          3300 sq m
Number of stories                   5 
Height at the upper point        20 m
Arc height                              9.7 m
Green planting area                3600 sq m
Capsule area                          500 sq m
Total area                              4130 sq m