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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Thailand is well present at Milano Expo 2015, with a participation theme called “Feeding and delight the world in a sustainable manner”. The Thai Ministry of Agriculture (thanks to its expertise) has been tasked by the Government of Thailand to construct and supervise as well as manage the planned pavilions at the Expo. Food and Agriculture will be the main topics at the Expo Milano 2015. The Thai exhibition is divided into four thematic strands: “Timely innovations, serving a dream” means aspiring to prevent world hunger, protecting the environment and ensuring a life geared towards sustainability for each country and individual. In this area, presented in a large elliptical shape as in a virtual cinema, there are maps and 360 degrees video projections, several interactive tools and acrobatic shows. “Sustainability, the balance of life” is the approach taken by the King of Thailand in its ongoing effort to support Thai farmers. “Tastes, streets and Thai flavours” offers a closer look at Thai cuisine, one that can clearly reveal the identity and spirit of its people. The idea is to get people to try an authentic and unique taste experience. Thailand is well-known for its street food, which enhances the uniqueness of flavors and variety of preparations. Food is produced in the outdoor exhibition, recreating the atmosphere of a local Temple fair, with the set up of a floating market that recalls times past, when Bangkok was known as “the Venice of the East”. “Traditions, the roots of quality,” recalls the keywords “the Earth abundance, the cradle of food”; here visitors have the opportunity to get to know the origins of Thai food and rice cultivation. Do not miss the attractions of the Thai Pavilion, inspired by the typical hat of the rice farmer, called Ngob. Every day this space will host several performances: boxing, puppets, giant masks and musical challenges.

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