Canada Pavilion Design
the pavilion design is the “architecture”
The pavilion design is the “architecture,” however a critical criterion is that the pavilion must support the exhibition story to enhance the visitor’s experience. Not just a big box that has an exhibition inside. We have considered this from the outset, as a sound strategy drives the programme and required collaborative process to have a successful delivery. A wholistic approach creates a legacy project, not just a 6-month happening.
A group of passionate Canadians, domestic and ex-patriot collectively come together to create a design to reflect Canada’s ideas and ideals. A team that was selected for their vision, talents, insight, expertise and experience in architecture, construction and multidisciplinary media.
Challenge
The Canada Pavilion will be a physical, visual and experiential representation of Canada. It will include the exterior and interior architecture, showpiece presentation and interactive visitor/exhibition/public presentation areas, all of which will contribute to presenting an image of Canada as:
1. a global leader, innovator and ally with solutions to offer the world in many spheres: free trade, human rights, gender equality, international security, migration, and diversity, sustainable development, food and water security
2. a leader in innovation and sustainability: through its people, its R & D, its incubators, its superclusters, its global partnerships
3. an ideal place for study, tourism, business, investment and immigration.
Value
In the initiative for a Canadian pavilion, we have been developing a narrative - configured on a hypothetical plot – addressing how one may deliver a memorable and dynamic visitor experience that is highlighted with the purpose of constructability in mind.
• A pavilion that is then fully demountable for repurposing.
• A concept of a zero-impact pavilion.
• A completely wooden pavilion fabricated in Canada.
• Custom wooden shipping containers control quality and budget.
• Highlight the convergence of the digital and the traditional fabrication process with the motto “no nails” (and no concrete).
• Custom Canadian wooden furnishings will be prominently displayed;
o a custom wooden chair – the “2020” - resulting from a nationwide student design competition.
• Consideration for off the grid; batteries recharged at a purpose-built solar farm.
• On site grey water recycling, etc.
• Cooling with shipped Canadian pack ice highlighting the fragile balance of our built environment and the future of sustainability through innovation and creativity.