Rotterdam pavilion at World Expo 2010
At the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, Rotterdam presented itself in the special ‘Rotterdam Water City’ pavilion. During the World Expo visitors from around the globe were able to experience how this metropolis and world port handles flood management now and in the future, despite climate change.
The central theme in the ‘Rotterdam Water City’ pavilion was entirely focused on water, climate and flood protection, and especially on innovative solutions. Visitors were able to marvel at a life-size model of a levee, for instance, and a water plaza with the capacity to store large quantities of rainwater. An artificial cloud mimicked the unpredictable climate of the Netherlands. The pavilion was designed by the Willem de Kooning Academy Rotterdam. Being one of the total number of fifty selected metropolises, Rotterdam took this opportunity to demonstrate in its own, unique way how this city applies its flood management strategy and how it is able to identify opportunities in climate change to enhance living conditions and the business development environment.
825.000 visitors
The pavilion named ‘Rotterdam Water City’ was located across the Huangpu River, in the ‘Urban Best Practices Area’. As one of the selected metropolises, Rotterdam demonstrated its own unique way of addressing flood management and dealing with climate change as a source of opportunities for a more attractive living environment and a more favourable business climate. Rather than just presenting an exhibition, the ‘Rotterdam Water City’ pavilion allowed people actually to experience what it means to live below sea level. On a surface area of 400 m2, more than 825.00 visitors have experienced how Rotterdam deals with climate change. In addition, they could take a tour presenting a range of typical Rotterdam inventions that drew international attention to knowledge and expertise in this area.
Facts and figures
185 countries and 50 cities presented themselves to the world in Shanghai. And Rotterdam was one of these cities! The following list of facts and figures reflects on the size and scale of this mega-event.
- The ‘Rotterdam Water City’ pavilion covered a surface area of 400 m2 with capacity for an estimated 200 visitors.
- The daily opening hours of the pavilion between 1 May and 31 October 2010 were from 10 am to 10 pm.
- Rotterdam had an independent exhibition space at the same location where Sao Paulo presented itself as well.
- The Rotterdam pavilion was conveniently situated at the central square near the river.
- The World Expo 2010 attracted more than 73 million visitors in six months.
- The number of visitors to Rotterdam Water City is over 825.000. On average, this number equals more than 350 an hour!
- The realization of the Rotterdam pavilion involved 2 million euros
Read more about the pavilion Rotterdam Water City and the design. Also we would like to introduce all the people who contributed to the realisation of the pavilion in See you in Shanghai.
Sponsors
The pavilion ' Rotterdam Water City' on the World Expo in Shanghai has been sponsored by several parties. Read more about the sponsors of the Rotterdam pavilion below.
Grontmij
Grontmij is a leading sustainable design and engineering consultant.
Port of Rotterdam Authority
The Port of Rotterdam Authority aims to enhance the port’s competitive position as a logistics hub and world-class industrial complex.
Evides
Evides manages the water supply to consumers and industry in the Rotterdam area. Evides pursues the use of environmentally-friendly water treatment technologies while minimising energy consumption.
