Sweden finds city-nature balance at World Expo
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Modern-day Swedish life's blend of the urban and the rural will be at the fore when the nation unveils its pavilion at this year's World Expo in Shanghai.
And organizers are saying the pavilion (http://swedenexpo.cn/en/) for the Expo, running May 1 - October 31, will also showcase the Scandinavian nation's "spirit of innovation.''
"The Swedish pavilion is developed to show the balance between mankind, the city and nature,'' pavilion spokesperson Tove Engström told Relaxnews.
"The building is designed to offer surprising meetings with innovative perspectives and to deliver a social content that demonstrates openness and interaction.''
The Swedish government has injected US$10 million (7.4 million euros) into building the pavilion - and a further US$22 million (16,2 million euros) into activities to be held at the pavilion during its six-month run in Shanghai.
The Swedish site will consist of four cube-shaped buildings, covered on the outside by images of a city-like grid, while inside the walls will be covered by images of nature.
"Modern-day Sweden has an urban culture in which the lifestyle of the cities is increasingly attractive,'' said Engström.
"We have our own interpretation of what is important in this urban culture. Our urban culture is defined by openness and security, humanity and consideration.
"In addition, this vibrant urban culture exists in dialogue with Sweden's right of public access to mountains, forests, lakes and meadows.''
The pavilion's buildings will be joined by elevated walkways and inside there will an exhibition and VIP areas, a café and shop and a covered entertainment area.
"The [Expo] theme of Better City, Better Life, which in a wider sense represents mankind's common wish for better living in urban environments, will hopefully influence societies worldwide to develop in a more positive direction,'' said Engström.
"China is an exciting market and many politicians and business representatives will take the chance to visit the World Expo, and in this way the event will also play an important role.''
MS
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments