Malaysia Pavilion for Milano Expo 2015

Malaysia Pavilion for Milano Expo 2015

Designed by Hijjas Architects + Planners, the Malaysia Pavilion for Expo 2015 takes the shape of four seeds to celebrate the rainforest seeds and its rich biodiversity.

The theme of Expo Milano 2015 is a humble theme that is intrinsic in its respect for Mother Earth, one cognisant of the unsustainable consumption of the world’s resources in its demand for food, seeking a redress to ensure that the ability of future generations to feed themselves will not be compromised.

This powerful statement underpins the design of the Malaysian Pavilion, designed by Hijjas Architects + Planners.

As the country’s primary resource, rainforest plays an important role in the lives of all Malaysians. The use of a broad variety of rainforest seeds date back hundreds of years, and to this day is prepared and served in innumerable recipes that natively reflect the gastronomically diverse backgrounds of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic diaspora.

Conceptually, the building seed form expresses the food source of the nation derived from the rainforest seeds to celebrate the rainforest seeds and its rich biodiversity.

The formation of the four seeds takes us through a kaleidoscope journey of Malaysia with each seed encompassing visitors with different experience and level of engagement at the same time bring to bear our attention to the symbiotic relationship we have with the rainforest.

The architectural design incorporates green and sustainable features in line with the sustainability theme of the Expo. The external structure of the seeds are constructed with “Glulam” or glued laminated timber, an innovative structural timber made of local sustainable material. The choice of Glulam, combined with the structurally complex form of Malaysia Pavilion at Expo Milano 2015 is a deliberate effort to showcase Malaysia’s capabilities in both design and innovative materials.

Towards a Sustainable Food Ecosystem, Malaysia Pavilion, Expo Milano 2015

Architects: Hijjas Architects + Planners

Project team: Serina Hijjas, Ahmad Shuhemi, Chiun Wee Lim, Akmal Bokhari, Atishay Jain, Tengku Inda Syazwi, Nazirul Safry

Area: 2,047 sqm

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About the author

Thomas has a university background in the UK and in Latin America, with studies in Languages and Humanities, Culture, Literature and Economics. He started his Asian experience as a publisher in Krabi in 2005. Thomas has been editing local newspapers and magazines in England, Spain and Thailand for more than fifteen years. He is currently working on several projects in Thailand and abroad. Apart from Thailand, Thomas has lived in Italy, England, Venezuela, Cuba, Spain and Bali. He spends most of his time in Asia. During the years Thomas has developed a great understanding of several Asian cultures and people. He is also working freelance, writing short travel stories and articles for travel magazines. Follow Thomas on www.asianitinerary.com

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