UK Pavillion- Shanghai Expo 2010 (Seed Cathedral)

Credit: http://www.heatherwick.com/uk-pavilion/

Part of the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, a 9-member British governmental conglomeration, decided to enter the expo with an idea that was sculptural yet dynamic and Architecturally unique. Directed by Thomas Heatherwick, the 'Seed Cathedral' is an example of how nature can be integrated into Architecture, to present new functional properties whilst remaining aesthetically expressive. The team was funded with only half the budget of other Western competitors. Heatherwick seeked uniqueness from the traditional large scale museums achieved by other nations. He narrowed his idea to a single point, with a focus that was inspired by seeds. Such seeds were examples of how plant life has given birth to the extraction of necessary medicine, as well as economies that today, thrive on Agriculture. It was an exhibition that displayed life itself. Despite the small budget, the team decided to grow 250000 seeds into single strands through optic fibre. The result, a dynamic interchange of light throughout the building as well as an organism that moved and breathed in it's setting. The hair-like strands would sway slowly in the presence of wind, attaining a life-like quality, as well as a refractive property that was aesthetically pleasing.