EXPO UBPA DIAMOND PAVILION

UBPA (Urban Best Practices Area) is the urban development following the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, set to improve the architecture and public space originally built to host the exhibition. Both the World Expo and UBPA boost a renewed Shanghai international atmosphere and creativity in terms of culture and design.

Located in the center of the north UBPA, the Diamond pavilion is visible from the main traffic arteries and public spaces. A very articulate landscape design and water features surround the plot. The existing buildings projection lines define the characteristic diamond shape outline that gives the name to the pavilion. The volume is then tapered from the bottom up, in order to have a wider walking area around the sides. The largest openings are located towards the sharpest corner of the diamond facing the landscape.  A central atrium and a generous skylight on the roof terrace guarantee the best natural light at every floor. Due to the prominent location of the pavilion, sharp cuts in the facade enhance its iconic character while both generating the outlines for the windows and the cladding joint lines.

Currently two restaurants are located in the building. The strong relationship between indoor and outdoor is achieved through the position and the shape of the openings. The separation between indoor and outdoor almost vanishes, blending the surrounding green with the restaurants interiors and provides the customers an extraordinary dining experience.