Photos courtesy of Czech Section Expo 2010.
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| Theme: Fruits of Civilization |
Client: Czech Republic |
| Size: 6,561 Square Feet |
Fabrication: Filmdekor |
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Exterior Design: From far away, the Czech Republic’s pavilion might seem like a bland box of Cold War architecture, but upon closer inspection, the structure is as whimsical as Disneyland: The pavilion’s white façade displays a map of Prague’s Old Town made from thousands of black hockey pucks, symbolizing the Czechs’ success in their favorite sport as well as one of the country’s major exports. Like streamers left over from a New Year’s Eve celebration, three “ribbons” unfurl from beneath the pavilion near its main entrance, drawing attendees’ attention with the insistence of a beckoning finger.
Pavilion Summary: Spread over 27 cube-shaped areas meant to suggest city blocks, the exhibits inside the Czech Republic pavilion range from antiques and animations to science and surrealism. Visitors first encounter a replica of the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, the patron saint of avoiding calamities, next to a chunk of limestone taken from Prague’s Charles Bridge, where the original statue is located. The limestone is inlaid with the original bronze plaque from the bridge, which tourists and locals for centuries have rubbed for good luck.
After improving their fortunes with a quick touch, visitors take in a display of furniture and lighting by Czech designers arranged in a Cubist landscape that recalls the stark geometry of Picasso’s paintings. If attendees look skyward in another area, they’ll encounter Metropolia: A massive chandelier made of toys and other tossed-away objects. The spinning fixture also serves as a video screen on which visions of future cities can be projected. Another exhibit focuses on 50 years of "večerníček,” the renowned Czech animated serials for children, which run on a multi-screen display.
Emphasizing the Czechs’ contribution to science, the pavilion displays the country’s "nanospider" that manufactures microscopically thin nanofibre textiles for industry. No less captivating is the “LACRIMAu in Czeknowlogy” exhibit, where every 500th visitor is scanned by a special computer that then dispenses a custom-made fragrance based on the guest’s body chemistry and emotions.
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