Eco Factor: Sustainable pavilion for World Expo 2012, portrays oceans using solar energy.
MVRDV has unveiled the design of “The Water Cube Pavilion” for the World Expo 2012 to be held in Yeosu, Korea. Designed under the theme of “The Living Ocean and Coast”, the Water Cube Pavilion will focus on the power and beauty of oceans by making a pure visible block of water that seems to be extracted from the ocean. The hollowed out block will create a great water space, where the visitors will be surrounded by water. Natural light will filter through to illuminate the interiors. This space will be used for exhibitions and gatherings during the World Expo.
The Water Cube is to be constructed out of a surrounding wall which features a series of water basins that are organized like a world map. This arrangement will allow the designers portray different seas more clearly. The continents have more closed elements in the façade and thus contain the stability elements. The roof is constructed with 5 meter high beams that span from the supporting web towards the centre of the roof: the North Pole.
The skin of the Water Cube will be made using four layers of glass, with water in between. Sea water from outside will be pumped constantly into the basin to keep the circulation through the building. The skin also features elements to control the raise of temperature for the basins. These elements will also contain rolling curtains to control UV penetration and solar cells to generate renewable energy for water circulation and lighting.
Via: ArchDaily
