WAVE
The concept for the Thematic Pavilion design is based on the image of the Wave. The Wave serves as an embodiment of idea of the ocean and the relationship between the ocean and the coast, in the project literally being a part of the ocean by standing in water. The Wave as (by definition) a disturbance that propagates through space and time, usually with transference of energy, conceptually transits the theme of the ocean by medium, – the pavilion: by the form («physical» link) and the exhibition space («conceptual» link).
The form of the Wave is created, according to distinctive wave features: smooth rise of the arch above the sea level, shape of the wave that define the facades and cross-sections of the structure and the angle of the waterfront deck on the building site area that defines the arc in the plan.
The embodiment of the “Wave” concept in the pavilion creates different perception scenarios, exploring the experience of standing in front of the Wave, under the Wave or on side of the Wave on the Waterfront deck, on top of the Wave on the surface of the pavilion, inside the Wave in the exhibition spaces. There is always the observing of the Wave from the distance, from the shore or from the sea. Site plan Technically the pavilion structure is a bridge, a bridge constructed along the shore and connecting two opposite sides of the Waterfront deck. Thus the pavilion is an extension of the Expo Loop with internal space (bottom level) and external (top level).
The circulation plan is based on the movement along the two-level bridge. The bridge has a two-way circulation. The possibility of a walk–through is creating possibilities to choose the side where to enter inside or start moving up the surface. Visitors can take the path inside – and pass through the exhibition spaces or outside (on top) of the Wave with views to the Expo site.
Following the idea of the two-way circulation, the pavilion plan is organized symmetrically, with 2 main entrances on opposite sides from decks adjacent to the Waterfront deck of the EXPO. From both entrances, visitors get to the rising entrance hall, connected to service spaces and restrooms, and then take a path along the sea façade, that rises to the middle of the structure and then falls along the exhibition spaces. The exhibition rooms are organized along the path so that the visitor passes 3 spaces for theme exhibitions. The highest level middle central space is used as area for BPA exhibitions. Then again on the descent there are 3 theme exhibition spaces. The possibility of the selection of the direction of the path could provide an interesting approach for the exhibition planning – the possibilities to arrange «two-directional» or reversible development of the display narratives.
The pavilion construction is a similar to a bridge with 10 offshore reinforced concrete double-supports and 2 shore abutments, serving as connection to the breakwater and entrance to the pavilion and constructed as reinforced concrete foundations to bear the sides of the bridge. Each double-support stands on a foundation that is a concrete overground (based on the sea bed level) grillage on precast concrete piles drove in to the rock layer.
