The Macau Pavilion at Shanghai world expo 2010 will take the shape of a jade rabbit lantern. Designed by Chinese firm Carlos Marreiros architects the pavilion will be wrapped with a double-layer glass membrane and feature fluorescent screens on its outer walls. Balloons will serve as the head and tail of the ‘rabbit’, which can be moved up and down to attract visitors. The building will be constructed with recyclable materials and consists of solar power panels and rain collection systems.
Looks very cute and will definately attract attention.Though it is hard to relate it to the theme of the EXPO “Better City Better Life”. This would not only defeat the thematic purpose of the event but will also confuse or encourage others to deviate and come up with architecture that will leave the visitors wondering ‘how is a rabbit better for city or for life’?
LOve it!!!
congratulations!!
[...] Regardless, the pavalion features solar panels and rain collection, and bunny’s ears are inflated balloons that can bob up and down. The whole thing is designed by Macau firm Carlos Marreiros (it used to be a Portugeuse colony). So, who wants to meet me in Shanghai in 2010 with tons of acid? On second thought, Chinese jail probably isn’t as nice as the Bunny Pavillion. [Carlos Marreiros via Neatorama, Picdit] [...]
[...] Regardless, the pavalion features solar panels and rain collection, and bunny’s ears are inflated balloons that can bob up and down. The whole thing is designed by Macau firm Carlos Marreiros (it used to be a Portugeuse colony). So, who wants to meet me in Shanghai in 2010 with tons of acid? On second thought, Chinese jail probably isn’t as nice as the Bunny Pavillion. [Carlos Marreiros via Neatorama, Picdit] [...]
In response to Zubair’s comment above — which makes sense — note that the Lanterna’s construction and operation are environmentally sound and agreeable to human enjoyment. Better cities in a the future may commonly feature buildings based on animals, plants, and other organic forms.
For more on this emerging trend, I recommend Hugh Aldersey-Williams’ Zoomorphic: New Animal Architecture. “A quirky trend of building designs inspired by bizarre animals has emerged in the last few years. Why and how has this happened? Is it because of new technical possibilities in materials and structural engineering? Or is the answer to be found in new social preoccupations in science?”