Innovative, striking design

The pavilion's bold sculptural form was designed by leading Australian architectural firm Wood Marsh in conjunction with creative design firm Think!OTS. The striking shape and colours of the pavilion acknowledge Australia's ancient landscape while demonstrating the sophistication of modern urban design in Australia.

The exterior of the Australian pavilion is made of special weathering steel, produced in Australia by BlueScope Steel, which is integral to the pavilion's design. From its installation in August 2009 to the opening of the expo in May 2010, the self-sealing and highly durable steel façade will develop an increasingly deep, red-ochre colour, evocative of the Australian outback.

The innovative design exemplifies Australia's approach to smart manufacturing, design and environmental sustainability, reinforcing Australia's response to the 'Better City, Better Life' expo theme.

The pavilion's clever internal design is capable of accommodating 40,000 people per day, taking visitors through three distinct public areas.

The first, a 160-metre long, glass-enclosed ramp which wraps around and penetrates the exterior skin of the building, leads visitors past six exhibition elements as they progress into the heart the pavilion. Here, a 1,000-person capacity theatre-in-the-round forms the 'main show', providing visitors with a spectacular audio-visual experience.

Visitors then exit the theatre into the 15 metre high main atrium, a 500 square metre area housing the food and beverage and retail areas and the elevated gallery stage, where they will enjoy daily cultural performances.

In addition to the public exhibition areas, the Australian pavilion features a 250 square metre VIP space. Overlooking the atrium, this multifunction venue is designed to host business seminars, networking events, high-level lunches and dinners and to support visits by senior decision-makers and members of government.

Construction

Centrally located in Zone B, the Southeast Asia and Oceania section of the expo site, and a short walk from the Chinese national and theme pavilions, Australia's national pavilion will stand 20 metres tall and will be built on a 4,800 square metre site.

Construction of the Australian pavilion commenced in January 2009. Australia was one of the first countries to begin construction on the expo site and, in February 2009, became the first to complete foundation works.

The fit-out of the pavilion's interior, including the installation of the exhibition content, commences in September 2009, three months ahead of the Expo Bureau's guidelines. The pavilion will be completed by 15 March 2010, six weeks prior to the opening of the expo.

Leading Australian construction firm Bovis Lend Lease Projects Shanghai, a company with more than 15 years experience in China, won the competitive public tender in 2008 to construct the Australian pavilion.

To see the Australian pavilion's construction progress, click here.