Opening Ceremony's 2015, return in pictures

The World Expo is opened !! The ceremony of inauguration took place this weekend in Milan.

The first part of the ceremony took place on Friday night. This part was devoted to a huge classical music concert in the center of Milan. 

The main prompt concert was the world-famous Italian singer internationally Andrea Bocceli. Accompanied of the best musicians and singers of Milan, this huge concert was available live online. At midnight, the official time of the inauguration, a huge fireworks show took place on the Expo site.

The concert was broadcast on Italian television.

Giuseppe Sala, Commissioner of the Government of Italy for Expo Milano 2015

He said that 11 million tickets had already been sold for this event on the theme of agriculture and food, which will last until October 31

Fireworks at the official opening of the exhibition  Friday night on 1st May.

The second part was more official. Italian Prime Minister, Mateo Renzi, inaugurated this magnificent exhibition devoted to food problems of the world peoples. During 6 months, this exposition will take place on in the outskirts of Milan.

Thousands of people have expressed,on Friday, May 1, their hostility to the holding of the World Expo in the city of Milan, whose doors opened in the morning. Public money is wasted for this event, argued the protesters. They also criticized the employment of temporary employees and volunteers.

Violent incidents have also erupted Friday afternoon in Milan between police and dozens of people. The police used tear gas to disperse masked protesters who burned cars in the center of the city and launched projectiles against the police.

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Opening ceremony !!!

 

1st May, opening ceremony of the World Expo 2015 !!!

We are very excited to know that in a few hours the World Expo 2015 will open its doors !!!!

After a gigantic project and a few incidents, the World Expo 2015 will open its doors to a global audience, tomorrow night.

The night promises to be very festive! In this article, we want to present you the program of this memorable evening. The memory is still great with the splendid fireworks proposed by China in order to inaugurate the latest edition of this global event!

While all the secrets were not disclosed on the show. we suggest to inform you about the official festivities program.

The edition 2015 will be inaugurated by a concert of the famous giant Italian singer Andrea Boccelli, author of the famous song "Con te partiro" showcase of Italian musical wealth richness in Plaza Duomo.  This concert will be live broadcast  across the world.

Over 140 delegations will represent the participating countries during this ceremony.

In addition, other renowned personalities of the musical world will be on stage :

In addition, other renowned personalities of the musical world will be on stage invitees: the pianist, Lang Lang, the soprano, Diana Damrau, the tenor, Francesco Meli, the baritone ,Simone Piazzola and the soprano, Maria Luigia Borsi. These artists will be accompanied by the choir and orchestra of the Teatro alla Scala and the Orchestra of the Academia Teatro alla Scal.

Organizers promise an exceptional musical evening !! I am sure, we will also see some surprises!

The official host of the opening ceremony will be Antonella Clerici, famous Italian TV presentator.

To follow the official ceremony, follow this link: http://www.rai.tv/dl/RaiTV/dirette/PublishingBlock-64203784-70f7-4b53-9d21-b14693850195.html

 

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How to buy your tickets for the World Expo

The Milan World Expo takes place for 6 months, from May 1, 2015. It will be open everyday on the period. During the duration of the exhibition, visitors can discover many attractions such as dance, circus, theater and discover the different pavilions. However, this event is not free. You have to pay your ticket before. All information about it is available below :

Where ?

Tickets for the exhibition can be purchased at the entrance of the site, through the chartered resellers of the event or on the official website of the event. Nevertheless, we strongly recommend the purchase on the Internet that allows you. This allows you to be sure of the availability and source of your tickets. In addition, you benefit from excellent prices according to the offers.

The website link is : http://www.expo2015.org/en/tickets


When ?

Tickets are available and will be throughout the exhibition. If you wish to attend the opening festivities, you have to buy immediately. In a few days, all the tickets will sold out.

Before, cheaper offers are available for visitors. Do not hesitate! Purchase before may allows you to save a lot.


What price ?

Two types of formula can be reserved : a full day or a night formula.  The first one allows you to visit and discover the Expo in the best condition without limit from 10 am to 11 pm.

The price is cheaper when you choose to visit by night. The price of a full day ticket is 32 euros. If you choose to come only by night, the ticket costs only 5 euros. You can book your tickets for one or more days.When you choose several days, you have two choices : consecutive days or not. Consecutive days is the cheapest way. For example, 2  consecutive days cost 57 euros, 2 days separately cost 62 euros.

In addition, many offers available for families.The formulas are based on the number of adults and children accompanying. These formulas are very advantageous ! A special price is available for all tickets purchased before the beginning of the exhibition.In addition, the special price is available for all tickets purchased before the beginning of the exhibition. My final tip: Hurry up!

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Ways to reach the Expo

Milan is a very large urban area of more than 1.4 million inhabitants. Influential city, Milan is a globally connected city, in which there is an important public transport system. Milan have different types of transport: airports, metropolitan, tramways, railways, bicycles self-service, bus.

Access to the exhibition site

The Milan Expo 2015 site is located a few kilometers from the center of Milan, directly connected with the three city airports and major public transport networks.  The exhibition site is located beside the Fiera Milano exhibition center.

Easily accessed locally, regionally and internationally through a rich and integrated infrastructure system.

The metro Linea 1 (red line) links the city center with the exchange parking Molino Dorino and that expected on the Expo site.

Three highways serving the exhibition, namely the A4 Turin-Milan-Venice, A8 / A9 Milan-Como-Chiasso and Milan-Varese and western ring, extended to the south on the A1 Milan-Rome-Naples.

A railway station will be located at the height of the western gate of the Expo site. There will also be access roads to the fairground to separate local traffic from that to the Expo.

Access to Milan

Airports

Milan is served by three airports located in the metropolitan area of Grande Milano. Milan is served by three airports located in the metropolitan area of Grande Milano : Malpensa International Airport, Linate Airport and Bergamo-Orio al Serio Airport.

• Malpensa International Airport : Second Italian airport after Rome Fiumicino Airport, this airport is dedicated to long-haul flights. It comprises two terminals: Terminal 1 is used for all intercontinental flights, international and domestic, while Terminal 2 is reserved exclusively for charter airlines and cheap flights. A large number of airlines are present. Terminal 2 is currently used only by EasyJet. It has been used previously for charter services that were moved to Terminal 1. The airport has a train station, named Milan Aeropuerto. This station allows you to reach the urban network of Milan. The airport has a train station. This station allows you to reach the urban network of Milan. 2 train lines exist: one allows you to reach the  Milan Cardona train station, located southwest of the city, by the Malpensa Express.  The second one allows you to reach the Milan Central Station in about 50 minutes. Train leaves every 30 minutes in each direction. Main airlines : Easyjet, Alitalia, Germanwings,...

• Milan Linate Airport: The second airport of the city  is situated within the immediate proximity of the city. It hosts the only national or European short-haul traffic.There is a frequent bus traveling from the airport to Piazza San Babila (downtown). However, you should buy your tickets before boarding distributor because it is not possible to buy them on the bus. A ticket is equivalent to a standard ticket, priced at € 1.50 and is valid for all public transport in the city. It can be used for up to 90 minutes, which means you can use the subway immediately. There is also a bus service from Linate  to Milan Central Station. This service costs 5 € and you can buy tickets on the bus. The first departure from Linate is expected at 6:30 am and departures are every 30 minutes until 11:30 p.m.. The first departure from Milan Train Station is expected at 6:00 am and departures are every 30 minutes until 11:00 p.m.. A taxi will cost you between 15 and 20 euros. Main airlines : AirFrance, Alitalia, Aer Lingus,...

• Il Caravaggio International Airport Bergamo Orio al Serio : Il Caravaggio International Airport Bergamo Orio al Serio is located in Orio al Serio Airport, about 45 km north of Milan in Italy. It is mainly used by airlines at low prices. Indeed, this is the largest airport in Italy for air traffic Low cost. In order to get to the center of Milan, it will use one of the various bus transport services made by transport companies: Terravision, or Autostrada Orio Shuttle. The prices are not very high. Main airlines : Ryannair, Neos Air, Wizz Air,...

Train Stations

The Milan Central Station: Located on the Place de Duca d'Aosta in the center of the city, the station has a daily service of 600 trains pass and sees 320,000 passengers each day. It is the second Italian station to traffic. This station provides instant access to various cities in Europe and Italy as Basel, Florence, Geneva, Lugano, Lucerne, Nice, Paris, Rome, Venice, Zurich. Different public transport lines are connected: underground (green and yellow lines), tram, bus lines.

Milan-Porta Garibaldi Station : 

Located on the Freud Place, this train station is close to Unicredit Tower, the tallest tower in Italy (231 m). In terms of passenger traffic, it is one of the most important railway stations of the city network with 25 million passengers annually. The station is served by lines S1, S2, S5, S6, S7, S8, S11 and S13 suburban rail service, as well as the TGV operating between Paris and Milan. It is also served by several regional lines and the Malpensa Express (railway line Milano-Malpensa airport). The station is also served by the Frecciarossa and .Italo the Italian high speed train.

Coaches

Many companies offer bus trips to Milan. The main ones: Eurolines, IDTGV, Autostradale S.r.l.,Ctnm, Airpullman or Ctnm. Many destinations are proposed in Italy and Europe (France, Swiss, Slovenia,..). Coach is the cheapest way to come.

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20 Of The Most Beautiful Pavilions of World Expo 2015

We selected the 20 most beautiful pavilions built as part of the exhibition by the participating countries. This selection has not been easy to realize. Indeed, the architectural competition is fierce. Let us guide you in this collection of magnificent architectural work.

Thailand

Architect In Charge: Francesc Domingo

The main theme of the Thai Pavilion is the crucial aspect that water plays in Thai agriculture in a number of ways. A representation of Naga, the legendary water snake Thai mythology, will welcome visitors at the start of the walk flag. This gateway will allow visitors through a field that was planted at different stages of rice cultivation, displaying the base of agriculture in Thailand.

Romania

Architect In Charge: Collective East Architects, Prospect SRLCollective East Architects

The main theme of Romanian Pavilion is ‘living in harmony with nature’. Visitors will be offered an overarching insight into the spirit of this country, with its blend of traditional and modern. 

The pavilion will reflect a country with accessible and sustainable resources and potentials, a country that promotes the use of clean energies, varied biodiversity, healthy nutrition and, especially, keeps the cultural values of tradition and folklore alive.

China

Architect In Charge: Studio Link-Arc

The main theme of Chinese Pavilion is “The Land of Hope”. The Chinese pavilion will be the largest pavilion of Expo Milano 2015 after the German one. The goal of the Chinese is to highlight efforts in food safety, food quality and efficient use of resources. The main message is the importance of a harmonious coexistence between man and nature.

France

Architect In Charge: X-TU Paris

The theme of French Pavilion is "How to produce and feed differently?". This building market declines the theme of a on two floors wooden building nestled in the center of landscapes shaped by farmers and lush vegetation. Reflecting these covered market throughout the territory, the France Pavilion is a forum but also production.

Under the horizontal roof, this hall is as an inverted landscape. Its ceiling, full of animal and plant production, processed products, shows the French identity by expressing its variety: its regional products to its advanced agro-industry.

United Arab Emirates

Architect In Charge : Foster + Partners, Architects

The theme of UAE Pavillion is ‘Food for Thought’. The challenge was to design two climates - to create a comfortable space for visitors naturally cool in Milan, while considering the final reconstruction of the pavilion in the UAE, where it is necessary to provide shade from the intense sun.

Nepal

Architect In Charge : Implementing Expert Group (IEG)

The theme of Nepanese Pavillion is "Food Safety and Sustainability for Development".

Vietnam

Architect In Charge : Vo Trong Nghia Architects

The theme of Vietnamese Pavilion is "Water and Lotus Flower". The building is built around a shallow pool that enhances design, air cooled and produces a pleasant micro climate. Lotus, Vietnam's national flower, is at the heart of the Pavilion. It is "a symbol of purity, commitment and optimism for the future, "according to the architects.

Brunei

The theme of  Brunei Pavillion is "Food Safety and Sustainability for Development".

Kuwait

Architect In Charge : Italo Rota

The theme of Kuwait pavilion is "The challenge of nature". The ambition of the pavilion is to represent the extraordinary mixture of cultures and tradition with contemporary and scientific aspect that form the base of Kuwaiti culture today. 
The basic design will resemble the sails of a Dhow, a traditional wooden boat that still today is used in the Arabian Gulf. 


Turkmenistan

The theme of Turkmenistan Pavilion is "Water is life". A two-story building will be erected decorated in the national style, with the use of traditional symbols dovetailed with contemporary technologies. The pavilion is projected to accommodate the stands of over 50 ministries and agencies of Turkmenistan.

Qatar

The theme of Qatari Pavilion is "Sustainable planting: innovative solutions for food security”. The architects wishes to the visitors experience the atmosphere of the souk, between colors, sounds and scents of the typical Arabian market. The tour then continues at the second level within a huge “Jafeer”, the traditional food basket used in the Middle East with a diameter of 36 feet and standing 26 feet tall, it stages an interactive show on a helical structure set upwards twisting towards the ceiling.

Architect In Charge : ?
Angola

Architect in Charge : Materplansstudio

The theme of Angolan Pavilion is "Food and Culture, Educate to Innovate". The pavilion develops on three different levels: a lawn with a vegetable garden on the outside and as for the inside of the building, the exhibition opens on a wide area with dedicated bars, restaurants and merchandising, finishing off with a roof terrace. The baobab, a symbol and sacred plant for the African continent, thanks to its richness as a food source and useful shelter, is the most distinguishing feature of Angola’s pavilion.

Israel

Architect in Charge : Knafo Klimor architects

The theme of Israelian Pavilion is "Fields of Tomorrow". The structure creates an immediate and powerful visual atmosphere of agricultural and engineering performance. The main feature is a vertical field, which provides a fresh perspective on how food is grown and supplied. Its surface is comprised of modular tiles utilized for optimally cultivating products on a steel frame elevated above ground.

Monaco

Architect in Charge : Enrico Pollini
Focusing on the theme of "excellence solidarity", the pavilion will be innovative and surprising. Its roof, fully planted, will represent the five continents and within the 240 m2 scenography of 11 stations will be declined, citing in particular the oyster nursery, deforestation, marine protected areas, or the fight against malnutrition.

United Kingdom

UK Pavilion is inspired of the incredible bee activity and it has been designed to allow visitors to walk on a meadow natural wildflowers, through an orchard. In the center of the structure, dipped in the meadow, dominates a golden sphere, any steel, reproducing a huge hive. Hive vibrate and buzzing with the sound of a real bee colony.

Architect in Charge : Wolfgang Buttress

Mexico

Architect in Charge :  Francisco Lopez Guerra Almada

The external structure of the Mexican flag is inspired by the shape of a corn tassel, the staple food of the country like many others in Latin America. 

Burundi

Architect in Charge : ?

Colombia

Architect in Charge : ?

Afghanistan

Architect in Charge : Odisseas Kouskoukis

The theme of Afghan Pavilion  is  "Eating for Longevity, Afghanistan. It is designed to celebrate Afghan culture and tradition. The monument included various intelligent environments that contain embedded systems to immerse and teach a visitor about different aspects of Afghan culture and traditions. The inspiration for the design of this pavillion came from Afghan Calligraphy, traditional geometric decorative patterns, the landscape, the local architecture, history and handcrafts. The design was also influenced by the historical descriptions of the Afghanistan by neighboring countries.

Malaysia

Architect In Charge : Hijjas Kasturi Associates

The theme of Malaysian Pavilion is ‘Towards a Sustainable Food Ecosystem’.The design of the pavilion draws on the variety of seeds found in rainforests, as symbols of growth and starting points for a journey. Seeds are a major lifestyle staple in Malaysia, traditional cooking ingredients.

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Controversy about funding of Swiss Pavillon in Swiss

As reported on the website of the Swiss daily newspaper "Le Temps", a controversy swells in Switzerland. The subject of this controversy : the funding model of the Swiss Pavilion at the World Expo .

Original presentation model of the Swiss Pavilion (May 2012)

Indeed , the pavilion is sponsored by two firms with an unenviable reputation for environmental friendliness . The communication manager of a development aid organization Appointee Swissaid has affirmed that "Nestlé and Syngenta representing Switzerland in an exhibition focused on the theme of food is particularly unfortunate" For Romance Künzler, spokeswoman for the MultiWatch NGOs collective, "this cooperation should be canceled ."

The pavilion had been changed earlier. In December 2014, after NGO protest and anti-globalization elected, the initial project  has been revised downward. The initial design included four giant towers , including two sponsored by Nestlé. The tower on the theme of water was given to the Swiss Confederation. The message of this part of the house, concealed in the glass offered to visitors, will urge to consume and share responsibly water.

Another change , Nestlé tower will no longer filled with Nespresso capsules, but by 2.5 million sachets of Nescafe.

The last two rounds will be for one, filled with salt and marked prevention messages , while the other contains 420,000 dried apple bags, gift Swiss agriculture.

The basic structure will be completed by January 2015. The exhibition and interior spaces will be built at the end of February 2015.

Below, find the original draft of the presentation video published in May 2012 on the YouTube channel of the Swiss organizers of the event :

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Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life

World Exposition 2015 theme had been unveiled. It is entitled "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life". The organizers wish to include at this theme everything related to food, malnutrition problems in parts of the world, nutrition ways, but also what's related to GMOs.

This World Expo wants to focus on the solutions of the contradictions of our world. While a part of the world's population is suffering from hunger (about 840 million people in 2013 according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) ), while other people die because of bad eating habits and fat overloads (1.8 million people die each year according to WHO). Plus, more than a quarter of the world's wastes (near 1.3 billion tonnes per year) are dispersed in the environment.

This exhibition takes place in a particular international political context.  In 2015, France will host the 21st climate conference. Including most of the world's countries, the conference will have to take crucial decisions on subjects exposed during the Universal Exhibition in Milan. Currently, Europe is representating a spear-head of international support for the establishment of sustainable development on Earth.

Most of the announced pavilions are coated with green walls, possessing last generation energy facilities (photovoltaic panels, economic ventilation systems, wind turbines,). Everything is done to think about a more sustainable development and ensure natural resource for the whole humanity.

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