EXPO-AXIS, SBA’s entrance building in Shanghai, China

November 04, 2010 Category: Cultural, Public Buildings

The EXPO-AXIS, SBA’s entrance building, was designed by SBA GmbH, that located in Shanghai, China, as the main entrance, and landmark building of EXPO 2010 in Shanghai, China, carries the idea of the EXPO spirit and EXPO theme. With a length of 1000 m and a width of more than 100 m, the EXPO-AXIS reaches from the main entrance square across the complete EXPO area and down to the banks of the Huangpu River.

As a ‘town in town’ concept the AXIS offers private and public space. To emphasise the spatial characteristic and orientation of each level, the four main pathways on each of the four levels are differently arranged. The ‘sun valleys’ support the orientation and traffic layout through their shape and position. As an orientation and viewing platform it not only offers stunning views but also a unique atmosphere characterised by the shading membrane roof and overhanging sun valleys.

The natural landscape along the building folds down to the -1 level and melts into the building itself. Wooden benches along the green ramp on the ground and -1 levels offer various resting possibilities. The singular commercial boxes, placed in the structure as buildings in a city, can be accessed from the vital pedestrian boulevard on -2 level and from the outside on -1 and street level. Several streets are crossing the all-around open structure, connecting both sides of the EXPO site.

EXPO-AXIS, SBA's entrance building design by SBA GmbH