The corporate pavilion for Vanke China explores key issues related to the theme of the Expo, “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”. The interior exhibition design is led by Ralph Appelbaum Associates (NewYork/ London/Beijing/Berlin/Moscow) with graphic design by Han Jiaying (Beijing).
The concept for the Vanke Pavilion incorporates three ideas drawn from Chinese culture related to food: the shi-tang, a traditional Chinese dining hall; the landscape, the fundamental element to life; and the dragon, which is metaphorically related to farming and sustenance. All three of these concepts are incorporated in the Vanke Pavilion’s exhibition, architecture and program.
Situated on the edge of the Lake Arena, the 1,000-square meter pavilion appears to rise from the east, forming a dynamic vertical landscape. The design features a sinuous geometrical pattern that flows between the inside and outside. A grand staircase carves up through the red serpentine form, inviting visitors to the upper level. A roof-top observation deck provides stunning views of the lake and nearby Italian pavilion.