Italy Pavilion - City of Man, Living the Italian Way

Distribution characteristics of the pavilion

The creation that the architect Giampaolo Imbrighi is producing for Italy shows Italian cultural contemporary values, without forgetting those of the hosting country. The project, in fact, proposes a building which integrates a typical model of the Italian urban building, with the architectural structure of the Chinese construction game called Shanghai.

The pavilion covers an area of 7.800 square metres and is 18 metres high. Inside it is divided into irregular sections of different dimensions, connected by a steel bridge structure where the connecting galleries are visible. If needed, the structure can be dismantled and reconstructed, on a smaller scale, in another part of the city.    

Architectonic characteristics

The different sections of the building make up a geometrical variety symbolizing the tradition and regional customs which define the Italian identity : a type of mosaic of which each of the parts show a single picture. The form also highlights the topographic complexity of Italian cities, with its numerous short narrow roads and alleys which suddenly open onto a large square, a characteristic which can also be found in the traditional Chinese urban centres. A psychophysical effect of comfort is given by an internal garden, the presence of water and natural light which spreads throughout the area across the patios and by the walls. 

New material

The building is decorated on three sides by a film of water that reflects the structure highlighting the natural shinny effects. The brilliance of the structure is reproduced inside both via slits which evoke the narrow alleys between the city buildings, and also thanks to the use of transparent cement, a new, recently created multifaceted material. Because of its particular and diverse component on the different sides of the building, this material generates a twofold architectural effect, from the outside a nocturnal effect of the liveliness inside, and from the inside, the outside daylight atmosphere. The Pavilion has been created as if it were a bioclimatic ‘machine’ with the aim of saving energy. The photovoltaic elements integrated in the glass covering guarantee protection from radiation, while the light-technologies of the building not only aims at highlighting the spaces, but also favours the saving of energy.

Main exhibition and content

The Italian pavilion will host a main exhibition curated by the Trieannale di Milano Foundation on the ground floor and several other thematic and cultural exhibitions and events on the first floor with the involvement of Italian regions, cities, public institutions and the private sector.

The main exhibition will be divided into 5 rooms. The first room explores the theme of mobility: it will be brightly lit with steel walls and floors underlining the items on display. It will feature the works of 4 modern artists, and icons of 20th century Italy including a new Ferrari and a classic Isotta Fraschini (the most luxurious car in history).

Room 2 focuses on Italian craftsmanship. Inside a glass walled workshop, master craftsmen will be at work. There will be restoration experts, tailors, silversmiths, violin makers and many more. Along the walls surrounding the workshop will be an exhibition of contemporary Italian design.

On the ceiling of room 3 there will be a satellite view of the Italian peninsula while on the ground, items of Italian manufacture relating to the expo theme will be scattered. These will include the “MOSE” project that protects Venice from tides, solar-powered cars and hybrid motorbikes. The 4th room is a room dedicated to food. Hanging from the ceiling will be a grain field, in the middle stands a centuries old olive tree and on the walls will be an enormous display of wine and pasta. Two large still-lifes by a renowned 17th century painter will also be on display.

The 5th and final room is the covered ‘piazza’, the heart of the pavilion. It will be the climax of the exhibition, celebrating Italian music, fashion and architecture. The room contains elements of a classic architectural masterpiece, one of its walls will showcase fashion samples, and a scenic installation will reproduce a symphony orchestra.