Israel’s “Sea Shell” and “Whispering Garden”
Israel's Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo
Rendering of the Whispering Garden
Israel’s Pavilion is the feature of part 2 of my series on green design at the Shanghai World Expo 2010.
This is Israel’s first pavilion in a World Expo. The theme is “Innovation for Better Life,” and the design by Haim Dotan brings natural features and technology in harmony with one another. I find the form quite elegant, with the glass (Hall of Light) and stone (Hall of Innovations) volumes in a twisting embrace: a nod to the Taoist Yin and Yang. Architect Haim Dotan is the designer of the AORA solar flower, a 30m tower ringed by mirrors, which generates 100kW of power at Kibbutz Samar. Here again, he is a master of efficient use of materials.
In the Hall of Innovations, hundreds of “light-sphere” stations will demonstrate Israel’s technological innovations in solar & green energy, science, music, agriculture, medicine, and security. Visitors can have a virtual conversation with Israelis.
What appears most intriguing is the Whispering Garden, with over 50 orange trees and a meandering covered pedestrian path. The garden will showcase Israel’s irrigation technology, which is one of the most advanced applications of drip irrigation in the world.
The construction and activity budget is $6 million.
For more info:
CGD’s Score: +4
+3 Sustainability is evident in the design
-1 Many materials are not recyclable
-1 No onsite renewable energy
+3 Exhibit them focuses on efficient irrigation and science & technology
Erin Nunes Cooper, AIA, LEED AP is an Architect, Green Building Consultant, and the owner of 
