The lighting is tested outside one of the six "Sunny Valleys" at the 2010 World Expo site in Shanghai. The funnel-shaped structures can divert sunlight into underground rooms and collect rainwater for recycling. The Sunny Valleys are on a major passage that links the Expo's main theme pavilions. - Xinhua
Shanghai is expecting a special guest participant next year during the World Expo: the little mermaid.
Built in 1913 to honor the famous fairytale character created by Hans Christian Anderson, the statue of the little mermaid has graced a rock in Copenhagen harbor for nearly a century.
It will be the first time for the statue, a Danish national icon and major tourist attraction, to leave its hometown. It is expected to be warmly welcomed by visitors from around the world and, of course, Shanghai residents.
The structure of the statue's temporary new location, the Danish Pavilion, is almost complete and the steel foundations are expected to be finished by November 7.
At the pavilion's entrance, a man-made lake filled with sea water from Denmark will resemble the sights of Copenhagen harbor where the mermaid statue resides.
"We will bring water from Copenhagen to Shanghai to reflect that the water in our urban areas is clean enough for people to drink and swim in," says John Hansen, project director of the Danish Expo Secretariat.
"Welfairytales," the theme of the pavilion, combines the two words "welfare" and "fairytale" that evoke the total concept of the pavilion and exhibition.
The Danish Pavilion will present new images, ideas and knowledge related to how Denmark can create sustainable cities with high-quality lifestyles.
This sustainability will be reflected in free bicycle riding within the pavilion, among other things. Riding a bike through an area which is designed like Copenhagen streets will not only evoke the real Danish lifestyle in the capital city, but also promote environmentally friendly concepts, says Hansen. "It's our plan for the future for people to ride bicycles. It's a good way to reduce carbon emissions," he says.
Another aspect is that the 3,750 lights integrated into the facade of the pavilion will be no more energy-consuming than an ordinary cooking plate.
There will also be a 300-meter-long zigzag "social bench" inside the pavilion, where people can sit down to rest and have a chat with other visitors. "We see communication as an important issue," says Hansen.
Apart from theater shows and operas planned for the pavilion, the Royal Danish Ballet will collaborate with troupes in China to present shows. One of the players in the Royal Danish Ballet will be a Chinese person.
A musical style called "mermaid music," which includes various styles like jazz and pop, will be played in the pavilion once a week.
Among the exhibitions, a number of presentations by young Danish artists who have won global recognition will be featured.
A series of photographs taken by famous Danish photographers will be presented in a story-telling mode. Three films, "Water City," "Bicycle City" and "Family City," are in production for presentation.
The titles of the films are simple but convey the pavilion's key elements.
And at the end of the day, visitors to the pavilion's roof top, will be able to go for a fun picnic. "It will be enjoyable to have a beer at sunset in such an open and green space," says Hansen.
Source: Shanghai Daily
