Shaping Beauty

img.0Italy pavilion at Expo 2015

Reaching a total height of 35 meters, the Italy pavilion at Expo 2015 is the only structure that will remain on site after the six month event. Designed by Nemesi & Partners, the building consists of the permanent six-storey "Palazzo Italia" and an adjacent series of temporary structures.

Located in close proximity to the lake arena, the prominently positioned pavilion features a geometric texture that evokes the intertwining random branches. The full external façade is clad in biodynamic panels that are designed to capture air pollution, converting it into inert salts and consequently reducing smog levels.

img.1The full external façade is clad in biodynamic panels that are designed to capture air pollution

Realized by Stahlbau Pichler, the pavilion’s roof is an interpretation of a forest canopy, with photovoltaic glass and curved geometric shapes. The roof reaches its architectural height above an inner piazza, where a massive glazed conical skylight hangs over the square, radiating natural light. This space – the symbolic heart of the complex – is the starting point for the exhibition route, in the midst of the four volumes that make up palazzo italia.

To understand more about the pavilion, designboom spoke with architect Michele Molè of Nemesi & Partners, who were chosen ahead of 67 other practices to complete the project.

img.2The pavilion features a geometric texture that evokes the intertwining random branches. Image © Designboom

img.3The central piazza is considered the symbolic heart of the complex

img.4The public square is the starting point for the exhibition route

img.5The scheme is illuminated using a giant skylightimage © designboom

img.6The intertwining motif is continued throughout the design

img.7Palazzo Italia is the only structure that will remain on site after the six month event

Project info

Client: Expo 2015 SpA. Design: Nemesi & Partners srl, Arch. Michele Molè and Arch. Susanna Tradati Design. Partners: proger /BMS progetti. Engineering and cost management: Prof. Eng. Livio De Santoli. Sustainability energy general contractor Italy Pavilion: Italiana Costruzioni SpA. Contractors Palazzo Italia: Mantovani Group, Foundations Italiana Costruzioni SpA. Building: Italcementi SpA and styl-comp group. Branched facade: Stahlbau Pichler srl, sailcovering.

Via Designboom