The Dream Work after "Water Cube"

Zhao Xiaojun
Education: Department of Architecture, Tianjin University
National Grade A Registered Architect
Director and General Manager of China Construction Design International (CCDI) Shenzhen
Founder Member of World Association of Chinese Architects
Chief Designer (Chinese Party) of Water Cube for Beijing Olympics 2008
On December 19, 2008, Zhao Xiaojun, the Chief Designer of “Water Cube” for Beijing Olympics appeared at the press conference held at Expo 2010 Shanghai China Exhibition Center, to unveil the architectural appearance of the State Grid Pavilion for Expo 2010.
According to Zhao, State Grid Pavilion is another piece of dream work he designed ever. It could be a bit calm, but it is sure to have a nature of still vitality and passion.
Creation is a process to release the art inspiration from the deep of soul
Zhao never denies such a fact that “Water Cube” makes him be in the spotlight. However, he would rather go out of the identity of a designer, back to tranquility and seek for a satisfaction of soul.
Leading his team in designing the State Grid Pavilion, Zhao enjoyed such an experience again. “A great architectural work shall have its soul, or it would be nothing but a steel structure.”
He explained, “Olympics and World Expo are of great importance to everyone. Olympic Games is full of the passion and burst of athletic sports, while World Expo is a splendid stage for creative ideas and works, to convey people’s expectations and dreams. Therefore, comparing with Olympics, World Expo is more rational, with more focus on the people’s affections.”
From “Water Cube” to “Energy Box”
Previous world expositions have created many great architectural works, which led the trend of that time and became forever classics. People will always take delight in talking about these Expo buildings.
How about the pavilions for Expo 2010? According to Zhao, the State Grid Pavilion will feature an energy centre to serve the Expo Site.Zhao and his team transfused a brand new identity to the pavilion, “green, energy-saving, and affinity”.
Just like water and air, electricity is indispensable to people’s daily life. The State Grid Pavilion will take visitors to have close contact with electricity.
In the eyes of Zhao, each building is a living structure. People’s gracious affections, such as selflessness and altruism, are blended into Zhao’s creation. The power generated by the “energy box” will be strong enough to creat a win-win and happy harmony.