2010 Shanghai World Expo Macao Pavilion Concept Design Competition Jury Reached Consensus on Champion Presentation by Multimedia Technology

The final jury meeting of the Competition was held today (22 July) at the Macao Business Support Centre. Upon consideration of technical team opinions and more than three hours of intense discussions, the jury finally decided on the “Lanterna do Coelhinha” as the champion, while “ Dancing Lotus” and “ Glitter” as second and third prizes of the Competition respectively. The championship will be blueprints of Macao Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. It will showcase Macao’s recent economic developments, social and cultural achievements through advanced multimedia technology and interactive features. It is expected to be one focal point at the Expo Site. Significance of the Competition: Macao Pavilion will be a symbol that represents Macao. The Macao SAR Government held the Competition as a forum for architectural elites to bring forth their abilities and innovation. Putting to use the winning entry as blueprints for Macao Pavilion actually realizes the original ideas of “Macao Pavilion built by Macao people” and shows to the international audience the leap forward in Macao’s innovation, uniqueness and high quality. “Lanterna do Coelhinho”, Macao and China Pavilion Macao Pavilion is one self-built pavilion of China Pavilion. Representing Macao on one side, it also has to harmonize the connotation conveyed by the China Pavilion. China Pavilion, titled “Oriental Crown”, shall deduce the spirit and temperament of Chinese civilization. “Lanterna do Coelhinho” employs a legendary Chinese fairy tale and uses the “Oriental Crown” as a metaphor for the “South Gate” that separates the worlds of mortals and eternity in the fairy tale. “Lanterna do Coelhinho” is the celestial rabbit that greets guests in front of the “South Gate”. “Lanterna do Coelhinho” has combined the outer design of a traditional rabbit lantern in the southern part of China with modern advanced technology and environmental architectural design to showcase Macao’s cultural multiplicity. The “South Gate” fairy tale also artfully illustrates that Macao is part of China, with special administrative arrangements under “One Country, Two System”. The theme of “Lanterna do Coelhinho” echoes that of Macao Pavilion, and is capable of showcasing the same heritage that China and Macao share. It also echoes the theme of Macao Pavilion, i.e. “Macao – Spirit of Cultures, Essence of Harmony”. All three winning entries have reached international standards. The background of participants in fact reflected Macao’s unique cultural multiplicity. The design team of “Dancing Lotus” is made up of two young architects, namely Chio Wai Tong and Loi Mang Chon, who grew up in Macao and studied abroad. One of them works in Macao and another works overseas. They have blended architectural cultures of two different places into an extraordinary entry. The design team of “Glitter” was led by Carlos Macedo e Couto, Macao’s distinguished Portuguese architect. Its team members are Chio Wa Cheng, a young local architect, and Ana Filipa Ramos da Fonseca, a Portuguese designer. The design team of “Lanterna do Coelhinho” was led by another distinguished Macanese architect, Carlos Marreiros, with two local architects, Tang Meng Wai and Lei Sai Cheong. Keystone of assessment criteria: The assessment concentrated on the following keystones: (1) Feasibility: “Lanterna do Coelhinho” was graded the highest in feasibility, by means of building costs, construction technology and construction duration (6 to 9 months) set by the Expo. (2) Extendibility to other related items: Given the construction of Macao Pavilion is only the first step toward Macao’s participation in the World Expo, the entire project also includes related items such as production of internal exposition, entertainment, cultural performance, parades, Online Expo and souvenirs. The extendibility of “Lanterna do Coelhinho” into these related items is large due to its innovative design. The design includes powerful exposition features like a simulated internal exhibition room, a ceiling-screen resting theatre and children sliding. The design is highly aesthetic and practical. (3) Uniqueness and attractiveness: The World Expo will have more than 200 pavilions. While Macao Pavilion will be situated between two rectangular pavilions, “Lanterna do Coelhinho” can easily stand out given its balloon head and tail that can be hoisted and moved with music. Furthermore, the transparent outer wall of the design makes it possible to use lightings and colors to give different aesthetical effects in all angles. (4) Practicality in later implementation. It is of pivotal importance that the concept design can be put into actual construction technically. (5) Environmental concern: Macao Pavilion is a temporary construction, so it is more than necessary to bring in environmental concerns to avoid squandering. “Lanterna do Coelhinho” is powered by solar energy and steel-made. Usage of water is minimized and materials can be recycled. Monograph of quality entries will be published The champion of the Competition will receive MOP180,000; the second and third prizes will receive MOP60,000 and MOP30,000 respectively. All winning entries will be exhibited at a documentary exhibition on World Expo and 2010 Shanghai World Expo to be held in Macao coming October. Due to the high quality of entries received, the organizer plans to publish a monograph that embodies the works of the participants. The organizer will arrange a detailed introduction of the winning entries at a later time.