Water Cube Pavillon by MVRDV

Architects from MVRDV are building a Water Cube Pavillon for the 2012 World Expo in Yeosu, Korea. The structure filled with sea water acts as a temperature buffer, symbolizing the crucial role of the ocean as temperature modulator for the planet.

Its design expresses the power and the beauty of oceans, integrating the overall theme of the 2012 Expo: “The Living Ocean and Coast”. The basins forming the ‘walls’ represent the oceans and continents. You feel like being in a aquarium as the hollow inner sanctum is only be lit with water-filtered light. Rolling curtains are included in the exterior structure to control UV penetration.

Sea-water is continuously pumped throughout the basins to maintain circulation. Solar cells will provide energy for the pump, as well as for the lighting. After the Expo, the extravagant construction could be become a concert hall, a theater, a museum or even an office building.