Belgium Pavilion at Expo Milano 2015

The architecture firm  Patrick Genard y Asociados / Marc Belderbos, in conjunction with the office Besix - Vanhout, has been selected to build the Belgian pavilion for the Milan 2015 Universal Exposition.
In November of 2013, the "General Commission of the Belgian Government for Expo Milan 2015" organized a competition for the design of the Belgian pavilion for the Milan 2015 Universal Exposition under the motto "Feed the Planet, Energy for Life".
Among all the participants, five finalist teams were selected that presented their design proposals for the pavilion. After careful deliberation, the Commission awarded as winner the project of architect Patrick Genard for its architectural, esthetic and innovative value as well as its technological contributions, its exhibit design, its sustainable approach, and its technical qualities and efficiency. 
 The Expo will take place in Milan, Italy from May 1 to October 31, 2015 on a 170.000 m2 site. Nearly 150 countries will participate and it is estimated that more than twenty million people from around the world will visit the Expo. 

The project for the Belgian pavilion for the Milan Expo 2015 is a result of three great axes of reflection: the theme of the exposition “Feeding the Planet, energy for Life” environmental sustainability and innovative technology and finally a showcase.

The Concept

Balance between man and nature, food production and consumption, is the inspiration for Belgium’s 2,717-square meter pavilion.

For centuries, food production has been one of Mankind’s activities, shaping the world we live in today, and influencing people and certain parts of society. On the other hand, food consumption has been strongly linked to human activity and nature, its habits, deeply rooted in the culture and religion of a society and reflecting people’s lifestyles. Globally, they also have a strong impact on nature, politics, society and landscape.

At Expo Milano 2015 Belgium looks to present the innovations, technologies and best practices that allow it to produce food in a responsible way, and to educate people to be responsible consumers. It will showcase and share a range of scientific and technological competences in the research and development of food and energy, stimulating a conversation on achieving the right balance between man and nature.