Milan Expo 2015: The Pavilions - Europe
Czech Republic
Architecture Chybik + Kristof Associated Architects
Area 1,362 sq m
Water is a major inspiration for the Czech Republic's pavilion. For a country that features three major rivers, as well as a number of thermal springs, the pool at the front of the pavilion evokes the region's strong spa culture. With a lounging deck and a gleaming sculpture by Lukas Rittstein (half car, half bird, intended to evoke the co-existence of nature and technology) immersed in the water, it creates an enticing spot to sit and sample Pilsner Urquell served from the adjacent bar. The white house beyond is built of Koma modules, offering a system of progressive construction, easy to dismantle and reassemble.
Intended as both a house and an experience, the all-white interior has the polish and dazzle of a James Bond villain's lair, enhanced by a dramatic LED light sculpture dangling down the stairwell. Two exhibitions inside communicate through conceptual artworks rather than information panels. The Laboratory of Silence recreates a mixed Czech forest, with real trees and plants regularly scanned by robotic projectors that beam 3D images of the plants on to the curving wall behind them.
The Laboratory of Life on the floor above is inspired by the Czech scientists who unravelled the genetic codes of agricultural plants; these codes are projected on to large-scale artistic renderings.
A huge sculpture of an animal (part dog, part horse) represents Czech expertise in the field of veterinary medicine. This art-oriented, information-lite approach also extends to a room dedicated to promoting Czech tourism. But it all adds up to a very cool place to hang out.
More from Milan Expo 2015:
The making of Wolfgang Butruss' UK Pavilion
