Austria Pavilion: A harmonious existence
- Source: Global Times
- [17:23 May 26 2010]
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The porcelain outer "skin" of the Austria Pavilion Photo: Li Zhenyu
By Li Zhenyu, special to the Global Times
When mentioning Austria, we often think of Mozart, violin and classical music. Indeed, the Austrian land has bred many world-famous music masters, Haydn, Schubert, Beethoven, you name it.
Many people see outer appearance of the Austria Pavilion as a laterally- placed violin, which had rested gracefully and quietly in the Expo Park for weeks. On the pavilion day yesterday, the "violin" played loudly.
From morning till night, music had been hovering around the Austria Pavilion from inside out. The Austrians conveyed their spirit through the representation of music.
"Music helps make for a more charming urban life," a musician from the prestigious Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra who performed on the pavilion day said. "By way of music performing, people in cities may have more chances to communicate and interact with each other."
In addition to music, the Austria Pavilion has something more to offer.
The pavilion showcases itself by means of dynamic-abstract architecture with a porcelain outer skin in red and white, which displays the colors of the Austrian flag. The porcelain’s surface elegantly alludes to the century-long tradition of "Chinaware", once exported from China to Europe.
"The design notion of covering our pavilion in porcelain symbolizes the friendship between Austria and China," Birgit Murr, vice Commissioner General of the Austria Pavilion said. "Porcelain can also be found in the interior of our pavilion."
Comprised of five exhibition zones, the Austria Pavilion, themed "Feel the Harmony", takes visitors on a pleasant journey through spectacular snow-capped mountains, fragrant forests, fresh grassland, flowing rivers and colorful urban landscapes, demonstrating a harmonious picture of Austria.
The Austrian culture of harmony has been centered around its rich tradition of classical music, yet when dusk fell on Friday, the "violin" turned into a nightclub with Viennese DJs and electronic music.
The National Pavilion Day for the classy Austria brought down the curtain with a modern music carnival. Harmony was felt not only within the connection between city and nature, but also in the coexistence between classics and fashion.
