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The Next Big Thing: why Britain is the bee’s knees
United Kingdom Architecture News - Jun 07, 2014 - 14:37 1734 views
The pavilion is a “virtual beehive” inspired by the plight of the threatened honey bee Picture: Wolfgang Buttress
Everything from sustainability to culture, technology and food is on show at Milan's mammoth Expo, starting in May next year
The world goes on show at next year’s Milan Expo. Taking place from May to October 2015, this mammoth exhibition will see 147 countries erect national pavilions inspired by the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”.
Inviting debate on conservation and sustainability, it’s a noble, unifying cause – but the Expo also encourages competition. Each unique pavilion, designed by the best creative talents available, will be pitted against the others in a bid to become the favourite of visitors and critics. With the first renderings of the United Kingdom’s entry receiving positive feedback, hopes are high that it will prove just as popular next summer.
Designed by the Nottingham-based artist Wolfgang Buttress, the “BE” pavilion is a “virtual beehive” inspired by the plight of the threatened honey bee. Millions of people will reach it by walking through a fruit orchard laden with apple and pear trees and modelled on a traditional English walled garden, then entering a natural wild-flower meadow before encountering the ethereal golden orb.
Visitors will be able to enter the pulsating sphere, or admire it from an amphitheatre below which will also hold performances and film screenings in the evenings. The site will also host a six-month curated programme celebrating the best of the country’s music, culture, technology, research, design and food....Continue Reading