The fair, which involves 100 countries, revolves around the question of the responsible and efficient production of energy in the immediate future and our relationship with the environment, with particular focus on renewable energies.
The slogan Flower Power symbolises the power of nature and its potential in the form of renewable energies. On behalf of the energy world of tomorrow it is essential that we fully exploit this potential”, commented Ambassador Nicolas Bideau, Head of Presence Switzerland.
The show at the 460 m2 Swiss Pavilion is organised into four themed areas: the house of solar power, the space dedicated to the preparation of plates of rösti, the water house and the Swiss innovation house.
In collaboration with graphic artist Claudia Caviezel and Expomobilia, Atelier Oi has designed a lyrical and poetical pavilion with stylised little white houses of various dimensions, rotating trees and colourful projections on the floor.
The white landscape transforms into a magical garden with trees that dance in cycles and blooming flowers. Everything is colourful and dynamic in order to convey energy to the visitor through a real sensory explosion.
The first space is similar to Monte Rosa Hut, an almost-self-sufficient refuge in terms of energy, located close to the Gorner glacier in Zermatt. The pioneering spirit of Switzerland is on display here together with its innovation in the energy and construction technology field.
Typical Swiss rösti are cooked in the second house and, through an entertaining culinary show, our daily energy consumption is illustrated, as well as things we can do every day to make savings.
The third house, designed in association with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (FDFA), screens a film that highlights the most urgent problems in the world and the need for international cooperation in the global management of water.
In the fourth house visitors ‘fly’ to the outer limits of the stratosphere thanks to SolarStratos, a solar-powered plane designed by the Swiss Raphäel Domjan.
Inside the Pavilion the Mission Possible game, developed by the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne, uses traditional Swiss literary characters (like Heidi) to encourage visitors to reflect on and optimise their energy consumption.
According to forecasts the Swiss Pavilion will attract 10% of the 5 million people that will visit the Expo between June and September.
Photo credits: © 2017 – DFAE/PRS
