Blue Whale Thematic Pavillion - Yeosu Expo 2012
on 4/12/09
The blue whale is a magnificent species, and as such is often the focal point of myths and legends from Jonah & the Whale, Moby Dick, to the inspiration behind this building - that of Pinocchio. As children I think we were all amazed at how the whale in the story simply swallowed up half of the ocean and the idea that we could perhaps live within its cavernous gut. And this is very much the essence of The Great Blue Whale Thematic Pavilion being created for the Yeosu Expo in 2012.
Initial Inspirational Sketch - Blue Whale
For the developers they simply wanted the building to be ‘the architectural metaphor of a fairy tale’ so that the building appeared like a giant whale was hurling itself out of the port (where it is based) to become the ‘Messenger’ and ‘Symbolic’ reference of the Expo, one of ‘Oceans are the origin of life on earth, we have a responsibility to protect them’. Built entirely on reclaimed off-shore land, it also boasts two public squares and exhibition areas with panoramic viewing galleries and spectacular Zoomorphic structures that evoke the complex geometry of the bones and tendons of the whales.
Blue Whale Thematic Pavillion - Yeosu Expo 2012
In trend terms, this building is a great illustration of where we are shifting to in reference to the whole eco agenda, presently a day doesn’t go by without a new species of animal, fish or reptile etc being found, just reminding us of what we are yet to discover. The oceans are also one of the key design reference points as we look to these undiscovered waters for inspiration, and yet at the same time fear the rising of sea levels through global warming. Examples of this include Alexander McQueen’s Spring Summer 10 collection, Lazerian Architectural Lighting and their Rhopalastrum pendant lighting based on sealife discovered in the 1800's by biologist Ernst Haeckel, or the iconic Shoal light sculpture, made with one hundred and eighty six fine bone china fish plated in twenty four carat gold by Scabetti.
It is also worth noting trend wise just how important the Expos are, such as the 2010 Expo in Shanghai and this one in Yeosu Korea, as they provide the opportunity to create amazing statements using such expansive canvases, often a lot freer than normal architectural briefs. Major trend companies often look to these Expos as a rich source of inspiration and future direction. The Trend Boutique also feels it is important for students of all design and creative disciplines to be opened up to these fantastical arenas.
Blue Whale Thematic Pavillion - Yeosu Expo 2012
A great statement is achieved that will provide a cultural landmark for the future that really draws attention to how fundamental the planet's oceans and coasts resources are, and how dangerous it is for such a fragile ecosystem to be disturbed. It also feels significant that such a message is entrusted to the largest living mammal on earth and which is, because of men, is in danger of extinction.
