Finnish Pavilion - Sharing Inspiration

The exposition of Finland Pavilion revolves around the elements of ‘a better life’ – well-being, competence and the environment, forming a solid foundation of ‘a better city’. Well-being indicates welfare services, technology, food safety, and lively urban culture. Competence comes from Finland’s strategy to build its society through its emphasis on education, research, innovation and lifelong learning. Meanwhile, environment issues are also part of the Finland’s competence since Finns are always applying advanced solutions to improve energy efficiency and resource sustainability. The pavilion can be seen as a miniature city built by Finns. Its inner space tells stories of Finland and the Finns. The pavilion is an example of how Finns are building better cities according to the principles of sustainable development. Like Finnish society, the pavilion combines creativity, high technology, and culture – a unity that makes for good human life. The sculptural architecture of the pavilion is aimed at creating visions of such themes as freedom, creativity, and innovation. The pavilion emerges like an island from the surface of the water. A bridge leads visitors over the water and into the pavilion. At the heart of the pavilion is the miniature city’s center and forum for events, the “Giant’s Kettle,” where ideas can meet and mix.

 

Concept and Features of Architecture Design

The Finnish pavilion at Shanghai World Expo 2010 is called “Kirnu” (“Giant’s Kettle”). Designed by a team from Helsinki-based architect's office JKMM, Kirnu won first prize among 104 entries in the design competition, which was announced in May 2008.The architecture was inspired from Finnish nature, the shape of small rocks found on coastal islands, the figure of a fish, reflections on water, a framed view of the sky and the flavor of tar on wood. Staying in the pavilion, you feel like strolling in the nature, away from the busy city rhythm, indulged in moments of peaceful life. The pavilion itself is a demonstration of sustainable building, presenting Finland’s solutions to future urban construction. The aim is to develop energy-efficient, low-emission and eco-friendly solutions in terms of construction method and property maintenance.

 

Into the Pavilion

A bridge guides visitors through the water into the pavilion. The ground floor consists of the central yard, the restaurant and shopping area. Visits to the shop and restaurant can be made after the exhibition on the 2nd floor without getting stuck in the flow of people. Visitors can not only enjoy typical Finnish food adapted to the Chinese taste but also buy some well designed Finnish souvenirs.VIP lounge, sauna, meeting and back office can be found on the third floor. Partner companies will organize various events such as seminars, press conferences, product displays, performances or even banquets for their guests.

 

Exhibition

From the central yard, a gorge-like ascending passage leads guests through a peaceful visual, illuminated and aural experience towards the exhibition floor.

The exhibition opens up a deep insight into Finland and Finnishness. Applied with high technology, the outer surface disappears transforming it to a fantastic living world. The immersive space well showcases the elements of well-being, competence and environment, through world-class animation and images. The Story is free of verbal commentary, with only ambient soundscape created by Sibelius-Academy. The elements of balanced, sustainable and enjoyable urban-oriented life are presented in many aspects. The Story extends through three spaces: the Welcoming area introduces essences of Finland as well as the Virtual Guide (aka Spirit of Finland), accompanying the guest along the exhibition. The second area opens up breathtaking magical landscapes, attached to the foundations of Finland: nature, national character, society, economy, education and culture. The third area is named City of Dreams, an interactive and beautiful presentation of elements of Better Life, as well as solutions and perspectives Finland wants to share. And we should not forget where Santa Claus and Sauna come from.

Guides will discuss and showcase any given subject in all pavilion areas to our guests. Their knowledge and personality also make them an enjoyable source of stories. Their daily entertaining shows, along with our visiting performing artists, are highlights for the guests. For children and young minded, special treats have been integrated into the exhibition.

The architecture of the exhibition is functional and clean, serves as a background to present art, design and high technology. The flooring of best-quality Finnish wood and beautifully lit snow-cave or cloudlike structures in the air connects the spacial elements, along with one of the largest textile artworks in the world on the inner wall. At the end of the exhibition, one may make a comment on the Kirnu Guestbook or through the website later on.


Major Events

Finland will organize around 50 events including music, design, visual arts, film screenings and dramas during the Expo. May 27, 2010 will be the Finland Day when events will be held throughout the whole Expo area. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of international cream of Finnish music from world music，electronic and heavy metal to classical. Other productions include ie. a collaborative production between Jin Xing dance group & Marimekko design company, Finnish National Ballet, Spin the musical, Moominpappa at Sea childrens theatre...