Basel, Geneva and Zürich : Better Water, Best Urban Life

In order to show the visitors of World Expo Shanghai 2010 different aspects of sustainable water management the three major Swiss cities Basel, Geneva and Zürich present their understanding of the common theme: "Better Water - Best Urban Life". The three Swiss cities showcase the positive impact of clean and beautiful waters on urban life quality. Each city displays best practices in the pavilion, focusing on particular core themes. At the World Expo 2010, Basel, Geneva and Zürich share their experiences and best practices with the world.

The Basel-Geneva-Zürich Pavilion is located in the centre of the UBPA hall. It is interpreted as an open plaza. Everybody is invited to circulate, become acquainted with the three Swiss cities and have a break with pure, refreshing water in sight.

1 - ENJOY PURE WATER: THE WATER BASIN

The pleasure and benefit of water is the theme of our Pavilion. Enjoy real, purified water and a natural gravel bed in a round 240sqm water basin. Water jets set in motion by visitors animate the scene. A sitting bench around the basin invites to rest in the middle of the busy UBPA exhibition hall, enjoying a composition of spirited sounds. The edge of the water basin is accessible to all visitors – also for those who do not want to enter the walkway to the movie arena. Two fountains offer drinking water free of charge.

2 - FANCY URBAN WATER SCENES: THE WALKWAY

A slightly ascending and descending walkway leads across the water basin into the central movie arena. Along the way, the visitors spot the triggers for the surprising water jets in the basin. After a few meters’ walk, the main cinematic composition on the panorama screen becomes visible; the full sight appears on the walkway’s highest area. You will be amazed!

3 - IMMERSE INTO THE THREE SWISS CITIES: THE 360° PANORAMA SCREEN

The nearly four meters high 360° panorama screen, giving the Pavilion its unique look and shape, displays in a loop a 8min cinematic composition filmed in all three cities with a special camera construction. Experience 24 hours of a day in Basel, Geneva and Zürich within a few minutes! Immerse into beautiful local water scenes and get an authentic impression of the outstanding urban quality of life – which is the reward for joint care and sustainable investments in the waters of Basel, Geneva and Zürich. Let the movie inspire you! The panoramic film is accompanied by a bracing sound design especially composed for the pavilion.

4 - LEARN ABOUT BEST PRACTICES: THE THREE INTERACTIVE CITY MAGAZINES

The best water practices of Basel, Geneva and Zürich are displayed in three individual city magazines, i.e. series of filmed mini-stories. Choose the themes of your interest on the touch screens beside the water basin. Watch the whole series of each city’s examples on the large screens in the auditorium. The 45 second mini-stories within the city magazines explain how the three cities have overcome their challenges. They illustrate the different activities, processes, investments and facilities which contributed to the high water standards in the cities today.

The mini-stories will be available on the Official Pavilion Website after the opening of the World Expo on 1 Mai 2010.