SAIC-GM Pavilion Architecture Highlights
•The SAIC-GM Pavilion is located in the western part of the Expo 2010 site (along the west bank of the Huangpu River). It covers an area of 6,000 square meters.
•The SAIC-GM Pavilion for World Expo 2010 Shanghai received the Most Excellent Public Building Prize from the biannual Architecture Creation Awards. It was selected from among 212 submissions following five months of careful review and assessment, and was chosen for its unique design concept, and human and environmentally friendly facilities.
•The SAIC-GM Pavilion design and fluid lines of its exterior structure were inspired by nature and an automobile body. Symbolizing the road to the future, the spiral design of the pavilion conveys promise and progressiveness, outlining a scientific road that links the present with the future.
•Automotive elements are fully integrated into the design of the pavilion. The automaking process was used substantially in the production of the structure and curtain wall.
•About 3,000 recyclable steel components are being used in the pavilion, which features a three-dimensional curved structure. Thanks to the use of 3-D computer modeling, the amount of steel used for the pavilion was reduced by 500 tons. The actual amount of steel used was 1,400 tons. The main pavilion is 55 meters in diameter. The pavilion's steel structure received the Golden Steel Prize in recognition of its quality.
•Consisting of over 4,000 curved square–shaped aluminum panels of different sizes, the curtain wall of the pavilion has adopted manufacturing technology for digitally controlled material feeding, pressure forming and spray painting. The gap between aluminum panels is less than 5 millimeters. Through the application of projection and LED, the pavilion's facade will be able to change dramatically with the movement of viewers.
•Angel's eye: Embedded in the facade of the pavilion will be a 300-square-meter LED screen upon which videos, pictures and information related to the car culture will be shown.
•Mobile stage: A large platform has been arranged at the pavilion for outdoor displays and performances.
•Window to the future: 3-D modeling technology was adopted to ensure the accuracy of the shape of the "window to the future". Visitors will be able to feast their eyes on the beautiful view of the Huangpu River and the Expo 2010 site in Pudong. Across the Huangpu River they will see the China National Pavilion and Performance Center for the Arts.
•Seeing light without seeing lights: The interior lighting scheme will hide lighting fixtures that may undermine the overall architectural beauty of the pavilion. With the environment in mind, energy-saving lights and LED are being used for curtain wall lighting. Since all lighting will be intelligently controlled by computers, lights will immediately switch off automatically when not needed. To guarantee the separation of displays and performance areas, patented door technology is being used in the automotive pavilion. The pavilion will include the first soundproof door used specifically for a theater.
•Human-oriented design was a priority. Sun-proofing and a mist-spraying system are being used to keep down temperatures. Rubber-paved walking surfaces are being adopted to ensure orderliness, comfort and safety for those lining up to visit the pavilion.
•Advanced tire recycling technology is being used for the outdoor plaza due to its low cost, variety, environmental friendliness, safety and ease of use.
•After the completion of the main steel structure on August 26, 2009, workers began installing the SAIC-GM Pavilion's outside curtain wall. This work was completed in January 2010.
