Brains over brawn as Belgium promotes synergistic approach

A spongy, vein-like passageway leading to a semi-transparent "Brain Cell" is expected to be the main attraction at the Belgium-European Union pavilion next year.

Artistic rendering of the Belgium-EU Pavilion. [China Daily]

With Belgium's relatively small population of 11 million, and its status next year as the rotating head of the EU, the two forces have joined together to show Belgium's achievements in science and art, and its standing as one of Europe's political centers.

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During the expo, the changing lights and colors of the Brain Cell, the pavilion's centerpiece from which guests can overlook the entire structure, are expected to melt into Shanghai's night scenes. This will highlight the link between intelligence and scientific achievements and Shanghai Expo's theme of "Better City, Better Life", say its staff.

The building, which runs under the theme "Movement and Interaction", spans more than 5,000-sq-m, one-fifth of which will be taken up by an exhibition hall dedicated to the EU.

In contrast to the playful and organic Brain Cell, the pavilion's exterior will comprise three stretched metal plates reflecting the pragmatism and the discretion of Belgium and Europe.

Meanwhile, the EU section inside the pavilion, which will run under the banner of "Intelligent Europe", hopes to show how by creating connections across national boundaries, people can contribute to peace and prosperity.

"People are curious why the 27 member countries of the EU work and live together without any force that binds them," said Serge Abou, the EU's ambassador to China. "The secret is that we are all intelligent, so we work for the interests of everyone," added Abou, who also serves as the commissioner-general of the 1,000-sq-m EU pavilion.

Visitors to the latter will go through an Introductory Tunnel in the form of a blue vein, where they will get the opportunity to learn about the history of the EU and its key tenets.

Another area called Green Attitude in EU section will be divided into three parts under the sub-theme of "Stop, Change and Invent" to show the EU's environmental policies, achievements and ambitions with a heavy accent on its battle against climate change.

Most visitors' final impression will come in the form of a cylindrical-shaped array of screens showing various slices of life in Europe. It will be called "Europe Feels Cyclone".

Meanwhile, the Belgian section of the pavilion will consist of three exposition zones: The Belgian Library of Knowledge; Belgium in 3D, featuring 14 cities in stereoscope; Exhibition and Experience, beginning with a cosmic welcome from Frank Dewinne, the current commander of the European Space Station.

It will also feature an interactive zone, beer and waffles.