Design contest for China's national pavilion launched

The organizers of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo yesterday launched a global design contest for China's national pavilion.

Set to be a highlight of the international exposition, the 20,000-sq-m showpiece must explore the theme of "Chinese wisdom in urban development" by explaining traditional values about harmony, nature and spirit, the organizers said.

Companies and creative institutions have until next Tuesday to register for the contest.

Successful applicants will undergo a quality checkup by the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, and must then submit their ideas before January 10, 2008.

A shortlist of the 10 best entries will be announced before April 15.

Because of the high profile of the pavilion, the organizers have urged all applicants to be creative, innovative and unique.

China's section of the Expo will comprise the national pavilion, a joint pavilion for provinces and cities, and separate pavilions for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. Provinces and municipalities will each get 600 sq m to showcase their various attractions.

The Expo's chief architect had earlier said the China Pavilion will wear red "clothes", and construction of the China section will begin on December 18.

To date, 182 nations and international organizations have confirmed their participation in the Shanghai World Expo, which will run from May to October 2010. More than 40 countries have chosen to design and build their own national pavilions.

(Source: China Daily)