The next in our A Milan Expo Pavilion A Day series is from the Chinese leader in real estate, Vanke. The 959 square metre pavilion is a showpiece of contemporary life in China, from the perspective of ordinary people. Inside is a representation of the Shi-Tang, a traditional convivial space offering cheap food and a fantastic environment. The pavilion was designed by Libeskind Architects and was intended to represent a journey through space and time. It has a roof garden as well as an installation inside based on the metaphor of roots, trunks and branches, which relates to the symbolism of commitment to the community. The pavilion was created using over four thousand metallic tiles, making the exterior look as if it’s made from dragon skin. After the Expo ends, Vanke will ensure that all of the steel components and tiles used for the pavilion’s construction are put to other use.
