Central idea

At the German pavilion in Shanghai, the Federal Republic of Germany is presenting itself as a multifaceted nation rich in ideas. As an innovative, forward-looking country that also places great value on the preservation of its roots and heritage. Diversity and balance, rather than ‘sameness’, are vital to tomorrow’s cities. The interplay between the diversity and contrasts of German cities enables a very special quality of life and vitality to emerge. This is why we believe it is essential to preserve this diversity – without forgoing innovation and technology. The Federal Republic of Germany is intent on conveying this very personal German perspective - credibly and memorably.
Germany’s contribution to the EXPO 2010 “Better City, Better Life” theme is called: balancity – a city in balance between renewal and preservation, innovation and tradition, urbanity and nature, society and its individuals, work and recreation, and finally, between globalisation and national identity. This central idea can be directly experienced by visitors everywhere in the German pavilion. balancity – a marriage of the terms “balance” and “city“ – is Germany’s interpretation of the “Better City, Better Life” Expo theme.

"Balancity" Pavilion

The thinking behind balancity is clearly reflected in the pavilion architecture. A city symbolises the balance between diversity and density, and is composed of many different historical layers, spaces, functions and environments.

The visitor’s journey though the German pavilion is a discovery of balancity. The visitor travels through typical urban spaces: rooms for work and thought, spaces for recreation and leisure, rooms to live in and places for culture and community. The journey starts at the Harbour and leads through a Garden and a Park, via a Town Planning Office, past the Depot, the Studio and the City Square to the "Energy Source", the city’s power plant. The visitor moves around just like he/she would normally do in a real city; partially on foot, partially using an escalator.

The message of the German pavilion is as follows:

A city can be a good place to live – if it provides a balance between renewal and preservation, innovation and tradition, urbanity and nature, community and individual development and work and leisure.

The German pavilion has been built by the consortium of the German Pavilion of Shanghai (ARGE), whereas the Waldmann Company is also a sponsor of. Waldmann also provides suspended lights, such as the HYBRID and floor lamps, such as the STRAIGHT for the depot. In charge is the German Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology, which instructed the “Kölnmesse International” to coordinate the preparation and the operation of this project. (www.expo2010-deutschland.de).

In the picture gallery you find more interesting images of the World Exhibition 2010 in Shanghai.

Messetermine / Events

World Exhibition 2010 in Shanghai

The world exhibition takes place in Shanghai, China, on the banks of the beautiful Yangtze River, under the slogan “Better City, Better Life” on May 1st – October 31st, 2010.