Kirnu sounds in Shanghai
www.finlandatexpo2010.fiMuotohiomo took responsibility of the exhibition architecture and space planning of the exhibition floor.
– Our starting point was to design an exhibition experience that would reflect Finnishness, while inspiriting and inspiring the Chinese visitors – in its simplicity, tells Designer Iika Airas.
– Because Kirnu’s visitor numbers are so huge, we invested in a couple of large and clear elements: the huge projections on the exhibition space’s exterior walls, space dividing lamella curtains, large Blue Wall –textile artwork and Material Wall, an ensemble of Finnish products and design.
Revealing interior
According to Airas the most surprising and challenging aspect of Kirnu is the pavilion’s inspiring architecture. Kirnu’s designer, the Helsinki-based architect’s office JKMM Architects maintained a high standard throughout the project. The whole exhibition concept has been adapted to fit Kirnu’s architecture.
– Kirnu is an exciting building. Its exterior reveals almost nothing of its interior or the exhibition. Only the patio, which leads the visitors into the actual exhibition, reveals the actual shape of the building to the visitor. The architecture communicates Finnishness. The structure’s form language is well-founded and plain, Airas commends.
While working on Kirnu Muotohiomo got a chance to experiment in the field of exhibition design; an opportunity, which rarely presents itself on such a scale in Finland. The fact that the physical location of the exhibition site is on the opposite side of the world from the viewpoint of the designer, presented its own challenges to the project.
– Kirnu has been a long, challenging, difficult and extremely interesting project for its content, scope and importance - a dream project for any designer, Airas notes.
High expectations
The Shanghai World Expo was opened in the beginning of May. Its theme is “Better City, Better Life”. The Finnish pavilion has been executed in a way that gives it function as a laboratory for sustainable construction, which exhibits Finnish solutions for building future cities.
Over 70 million visitors are expected for the Expo. Approximately 95 percent of the visitors will be Chinese.
– We have estimated that no less than 20 000 visitors will visit Kirnu every day. Most of the visitors will not have a clear picture of Finland, but this picture will certainly be created in Kirnu, Airas tells.
www.finlandatexpo2010.fi
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