Construction starts on pavilion

scene of ceremony


artistic rendition of the Luxembourg Pavilion

Construction began yesterday on the Luxembourg Pavilion for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. It is the third national pavilion to begin construction. There are less than 450 days to go until the 2010 event.
The Luxembourg Pavilion will resemble an ancient castle 15 meters high surrounded by large areas of greenery

Zhong Yanqun,vice chair of the Shanghai 2010 World Expo Executive Committee

Claude Wiseler, Luxembourg's minister for the civil service and administrative reform


Claude Wiseler (left), Luxembourg's minister for the civil service and administrative reform, and Zhong Yanqun,vice chair of the Shanghai 2010 World Expo Executive Committee

The pavilion's design concept is "forest and fortress," inspired by the literal meaning of the Chinese term for Luxembourg, said the pavilion's architect.
The pavilion, which will cost US$9 million, has a floor space of 3,000 square meters, one of the smallest plans among all the national pavilions ? fitting for one of the world's smallest countries. "Small Is Beautiful" will be a recurring theme for the pavilion.

artistic rendition of the Luxembourg Pavilion

artistic rendition of the Luxembourg Pavilion
Construction of the pavilion will be completed at the end of October and exhibits will be installed by next February.
"Time is rather urgent," said Thomas Rohdewald, director of the pavilion.
So far, 185 countries and 46 organizations have confirmed their participation in the six-month Expo.