Singapore's World Expo pavilion plays on theme of Urban Symphony
By Channel NewsAsia's China Correspondent Glenda Chong | Posted: 26 March 2009 0019 hrs

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SHANGHAI: Singapore's theme at next year's World Expo in Shanghai will be along the lines of an "Urban Symphony". Resembling a music box, its pavilion will showcase the garden city's unique culture.

'Music to the senses', 'Harmony of cultures' and 'Beat of a city-state' are some of the descriptions that Singapore's designers hope will resonate with visitors at the expo.

Tan Kay Ngee, principle architect, Kay Ngee Tan Architects, said: "The concept is Urban Symphony and you can see from the architecture, it has some musical character about it. It is almost like a music box because we'd like to portray Singapore in a slightly different manner.

"Urban Symphony basically reflects multiculture coexistence in the city, as well as how we manage our different resources such as water and nature."

Singapore's showcase will occupy 3,000 square metres at the World Expo site in Pudong.

Visitors to the Singapore Pavilion will experience a symphony of senses akin to visiting a museum with exhibits that showcase Singapore's unique culture, as well as how successfully the island has tackled development, balancing progress with sustainability.

In line with sustainable practices, the design of the pavilion allows natural lighting, ventilation and water fountains to cool the surrounding and reduce energy used by air-conditioners.

Various plant species will also be flown in for the rooftop garden display to bring the tropical rainforest to Shanghai.

Although the pavilion is a temporary structure, nothing will go to waste. Most of the building materials such as steel and aluminium structures can be recycled when the event is over.

Alfred Poon, assistant director, Singapore Tourism Board, said: "In this area of sustainability, Singapore has made a lot of research and achievement. We would like to share with the world and also learn from other people how best we can do a better job for tomorrow."

Construction of the pavilion begins in June – a full year ahead of the World Expo. Singapore hopes to attract 10 million visitors to its pavilion, out of the 70 million people expected at the event.


- CNA/so