New York-based architect, Daniel Libeskind designed a pavilion for the Chinese developer, Vanke, as a temporary locale. Incorporating the expo’s theme of “feeding the planet, energy for life”, the idea behind the pavilion 3 ideas drawn from traditional Chinese culture relating to food: “the shi-tang, a traditional Chinese dining hall; the landscape, the fundamental element to life; and the dragon, which is metaphorically related to farming and sustenance” (DesignBoom).
Nonetheless, the sinuous body and a scaly red and gold skin took a lot of thought and imagination! The exterior is clad with approximately 4,000 shimmering ceramic tiles that look like scales. Specifically, these tiles feature a metallic surface, so they appear to change color from red and pink to gold and white. Perhaps more chameleon than dragon?