Happy Street, Pavilion of Netherlands

Time : 2009-07-09

The Dutch submission to the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai is an exceptional one. This time around, it will not be the classic pavilion with long lines of visitors waiting outside and a presentation inside. The Netherlands is making its appearance at China's world exposition along an entire street. The submission, entitled "Happy Street", is the response by designer John Kormeling to the Chinese Expo theme "Better City, Better Life" and the sub-themes:

a. Urban cultural diversity
b. Urban economic growth and prosperity
c. Innovation in science and technology in urban contexts
d. Remodelling urban communities
e. Interaction between urban and rural areas.

The Chinese organization has challenged the nearly two hundred Expo participants to come up with solutions and suggestions for liveable cities for the 21st century. Forecasters predict that in 2010, around 55 percent of the world’s population will live in cities. Urbanization brings with it entirely new and unique problems requiring new, sustainable solutions.

Happy street offers visitors the chance to explore the Expo theme more deeply in any number of ways. It is the artist's intention that the seventeen or so houses – each one a tiny pavilion in itself – will demonstrate how innovative the Netherlands is in its approaches to space, energy and water. The houses are suited to varying types of decoration, in order to attract a specially defined and interested audience.
For example, the designer would like to have a water treatment facility on site to filter river water into drinking water. Kormeling would also like to see the Floating Boulder sculpture, which Wim T. Schippers created together with the University of Delft, placed along his street. Special guests will be welcomed in the giant crown housing the VIP lounge.