Joint Africa Pavilion (2)
As the first comprehensive world expo held in a developing country, the World Expo 2010 Shanghai has paid special attention to developing countries, especially African participants. It will very possibly become the stage for Africa to display itself to the world.
Africa exhibition area, which is located on the bank along the Huangpu River in the World Expo Park in Pudong, will be composed of a 26,000-square-meter Joint-Africa Pavilion, the rented and self-constructed pavilions, and the Africa Square for holding cultural activities.
The Joint-Africa Pavilion that began construction on August 15, 2008, is the largest and enjoys the most investment among all the international pavilions. The pavilion will be divided into 43 exhibition modules respectively for 42 African participants and the AU. Seven African countries such as Tunisia and Nigeria will rent modules.
As for the cultural activities of the African countries during the expo, it is reported that in its application submitted to the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, the Afrikakeur Arts Festival plans to invite well-known professional troupes and artists from the African countries that have confirmed participation to perform in the Africa Month of the expo.
A. F. R. I. C. A.
Africanization: Showing a true Africa is the common hope shared by all the participating African countries at the expo. Therefore, the expo organizers require that the design of the pavilion should be accepted and understood by both African and Chinese people in order to attract more visitors.
First class: Among the 11 joint pavilions of the expo, "the design and construction of the Joint-African Pavilion will rank first-class and become the best ever of the pavilions of all previous expos. This is the goal we are trying to reach," Chen said.
Restricted costs: Since the Joint-Africa Pavilion is built with special funds, tight economic controls should be exercised.
Integration: The 43 exhibition sections in the Joint-Africa Pavilion are designed as a whole. Besides, the theme day of each country's module and the African culture performances on the culture square will be arranged uniformly in order to form an integrated image of Africa.
Cooperation: The pavilion is co-designed by several designing teams. By sharing related experiences, resources and information, the teams are trying to create a perfect stage for the African countries.
Ahead: Starting first, the construction of the Joint-Africa Pavilion is expected to be able to offer experience to the construction of all the other pavilions.
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