Milan Expo to feature bamboo "lotus pods"

A proposal by Vo Trong Nghia Architects to build towering bamboo structures modelled on lotus pods, has been approved for Vietnam's pavilion at the World Expo 2015 in Milan.
A proposal by Vo Trong Nghia Architects to build towering bamboostructures modelled on lotus pods, has been approved for Vietnam'spavilion at the World Expo 2015 in Milan.

The pavilion design,which was inspired from the lotus pods that are popular in theVietnamese countryside, will consist of a shallow pool of water and aseries of bamboo structures that will encase trees.

Responding tothe expo's theme "Feeding the Planet, Energy for life," the architectsdescribed the consumption of the lotus – Vietnam's typical flower – asan example for sustainable living.

"No part of the plant goeswaste, with every part considered a delicacy," said the design team,adding, "The lotus is used in soups, salads, snacks, drinks as well asfor natural medicine."

"The flower is proof that patience can turn difficulties into advantages," they added.

Thetwo-storey exhibition space will be at the centre of the pavilion,surrounded on all sides by water and framed by 25 bamboo structures ofdifferent sizes.

Various stepping stones in the shape of lotusleaves will guide visitors towards the entrance, while screen wallsaround the perimeter will fold back to bring natural ventilation intothe exhibition areas. The lightweight bamboo elements will beprefabricated, allowing the pavilion to be easily disassembled andrecycled once the expo is over.

"The architect's role in designing the pavilion is to reduce its impact," said the team.

"From this building, we can see the Vietnamese love of nature, which will be shared with the whole world," they added.

Vietnamis one out of the 145 nations participating at the Milan Expo in 2015,which will take place from May 1 to October 31. Other proposals unveiledso far include a beehive-inspired pavilion from the UK and athree-dimensional timber lattice from France. The event embracestechnology, innovation, culture, traditions and creativity and how theyrelate to food and diet.

Expo 2015 will further develop themesintroduced at earlier Expos (for example: water at Expo 2008 inZaragoza) in the light of new global scenarios and emerging issues,while focusing primarily on the right to healthy, secure and sufficientfood for all the world's inhabitants. Vietnam has been a part of theExpos since 2000.-VNA

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