The uniquely configured pavilion accommodates an exhibition space and VIP entertainment area. The visitor experience continues on the roof with patrons following a meandering path showcasing New Zealand's landscape, from rugged mountains to inviting coastline, replete with flowering pohutakawa tree.
With the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China expected to attract more than 70 million visitors, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZT&E) was keen to generate maximum exposure with an eye-catching 2000m2 New Zealand pavilion. The design flows on from the winning tender submitted by a consortium comprising project managers, Coffey Projects, architects Warren & Mahoney, visitor experience specialists Story Inc, quantity surveyors Rider Levett Bucknell, with Beca joining the team to provide multi-disciplinary engineering services including ESD advice. Beca's presence in China through Beca Shanghai (BECS) was a key factor in Beca's appointment to the project.
The building is a distinctive wedge–shape structure which incorporates:
- a large exhibition hall providing a 'visitor experience', to promote the New Zealand environment and lifestyle. A walkway starts at ground floor and meanders through the space, exiting at high level on to the roof. The pavilion roof is an extensive landscaped garden
- a two-storey space for administration and entertainment, a dedicated main VIP entrance, lounge and bar facilities, and amenity block for staff and performers
External to the building is an elevated feature canopy overhanging the roof, providing a covered walkway as well as cover to the main entrance plaza of the pavilion.
With the World Expo only operational for six months all buildings will eventually be demolished and removed from the site. The structure was therefore designed not only to achieve the architectural vision, but also takes into consideration de-construction and recycling. This also had an impact on the building services design solutions and equipment selection.
Low impact, cost-effective ESD features were implemented into the design to improve the quality of the building environment, reduce operating costs and promote the sustainable image of New Zealand.