Seed and fiber optics in the UK Pavilion

More than 200,000 60,000 seeds embedded fiber optic cables to form a front that moves gently in the breeze. This is the surprising approach of the British flag of Shanghai Expo 2010, one of which is generating more excitement. The pavilions of the Expo are already beginning to show the world. We have taught ours, the flag-basket designed by Benedetta Tagliabue, and that of China, the host country. Now you can enjoy the building to represent Great Britain, undoubtedly one of the most surprising.
The British flag, called Seed Cathedral (Cathedral of the seed) has been designed by acclaimed Thomas Heatherwick, who has sought from the outset to create one of the most popular attractions among the hundreds of buildings, events and programs that will be exhibit in Shanghai 2010. Seed Cathedral The structure consists of a transparent cover 60 000 fiber optic cables 7.5 meters long each, whose ends are mated one or more seeds. During the day, natural light fills the interior. At night, the light emitted by each cable makes the whole building glow. When the wind blows, the “hair” fiber moves smoothly creating a dynamic effect.
The appeal to unite tradition and modernity has been the starting point for the design of the building Heatherwick. We must remember the great historical link with the English Expo: the phenomenon of universal exhibitions began in 1851 at the landmark Crystal Palace in London. Inspired by an English botanical institutions in more tradition, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the designer has embedded seeds 220 000 60 000 at the end of fiber optic cables, a symbol of technology and modernity.