Daniel Libeskind Designs Milan Expo Pavilion for Chinese Developer Vanke
New York-based architect Daniel Libeskind has proposed a twisted reptilian structure for the first ever expo pavilion for a stand-alone Chinese company.
Ancient Chinese teachings and Renaissance art are cited as some of the inspirations for the building, whose twisted shape is intended to create a “continuous flow” between inside and outside spaces. A staircase will also curve around the exterior, leading up to a rooftop terrace.
Responding to the Expo theme Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life, New York exhibition designer Ralph Appelbaum and Chinese graphic designer Han Jiaying will work with Libeskind to create an interior described by Vanke as a “virtual forest”. This will feature 300 multimedia screens, offering a look at the role of the dinner table in Chinese communities.
Designed for Vanke, China’s largest property developer, the Shitang pavilion is already under construction at the Milan Expo 2015 site, and was conceived by Daniel Libeskind as a sinuous volume with a scaly outer skin.
“In keeping with the theme of Expo Milano, Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life, we proposed the concept ‘Shitang’ for the Vanke Pavilion,” said Vanke chairman Wang Shi.
“Shitang in Chinese means ‘table’. We thus want to express our idea of urbanisation and community through the experience of food. Indeed, food is one of the most effective ways to understand a culture: the ritual of eating and talking together is important in every community because by eating together it is possible to get to know each other better,” he said.
Libeskind has previously said that he would not work in China on ethical grounds and urged architects to “think twice” about building in the country. Later that same year it was revealed by UK architecture newspaper BD that his practice was working on a 25,000-square-metre public building in Hong Kong.
“This is not a dogmatic idea for Daniel,” Nina Libeskind told BD in 2008. “Its a personal thing for him. We’ve seen what has happened in Tibet, but there is a rule of law in Hong Kong that Daniel is comfortable with.”
I was thrilled to find this pavillion through architectural news on Twitter and written up in de zeen magazine. I went exploring. This edifice is a fascinating structure with its twists and turns and will be available for all to experience in 2015 in Milan. Plan to go now.
Should we all go together?
I absolutely love this innovative and unique type of architecture. Thank you, Gail.
Thank you Charl. I think the color is amazing. Imagine a red building like this in your town, my town, even New York. Cities are usually grey, white and dark (not black), but many sport twisted, bent and turned edifices.
Not a fan of that type of architecture, personally, Gail, though I recognize the innovation. It looks a bit like a sleeping dragon, doesn’t it? Interesting, but to my eyes, a little too silly.
Thank you Kristan. The Chinese do like this form, and yes, that’s what the architect had in mind. You are perceptive. We do that serpent shape in our paintings as well.
So innovative and exciting! The perfect combination of unique style and function. Cool stuff!
Paula, you are amazing. Thank you. I love your comment, “unique style and function.” The marriage between style (aesthetics) and function in all designs of life are critical. You say so much in your comment!!! Where/when do you find the time to comment on everyone’s blog, mine included, and all that you do? You must have a clone somewhere?
I wish! And i don’t read EVERYONE’s blog…just yours:-) I find architecture fascinating and your posts are always so informative. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Now I really feel special. Thank you.