The Theme of the World Expo 2010

The World Expo 2010 in Shanghai China focusesthe technology used in building the Pavilion are
on the theme "Better City, Better Life" as aextravagant and are focused on the concepts of
representation of hope to mankind for a betterurban development, harmonious cultures, values
living in urban environments. The theme isand national history in response to the theme of
concerned on the creation of urban strategies,the Expo.
sustainable development and international policy.Below are some examples of what one can see
Why does the event focus on the developmentin the Pavilions and its representation of the
of the city? According to the United Nations,theme:
more people are settling in the city. It is estimated• China Pavilion displayed a magnificent
that the population in the cities today is at 55%3-Dimensional giant scroll painting on a digital
of the total world population compared to 29% inscreen entitled "Along the River during the
1950 and just 2% in 1800. This means that ourOingming Festival". It supports their sub-theme
quest for better living since the start of human"City of Harmony".
civilization is found in an urban environment.• Visitors would feel like they are actually
The theme was derived from what took placetouring Taiwan when they visit the Taiwan
during the United Nations Conference on HumanPavilion. The Pavilion has a 720-degrees spherical
Settlements (Habitat II). It was declared thatscreen that showcases the tourist attraction and
cities should be the place for the fulfillment ofcultural festivals in Taiwan. One would also see a
dreams, safe and secure living, healthy lifestyles,stage in what looks like a globe that contains
and attainment of happiness. It must run contrarymillions of LED lights. Visitors can fly to digital sky
to the common concept of what urbanization is alllanterns to wish for good fortunes.
about: increased pollution, congestion, conflicts and• Singapore was built on the theme that
crime.focuses on two elements of nature namely
According to the declaration, all the challengesgardens and water. Within their Pavilion is an
facing the city is caused by the discord ofattractive hanging Garden.
humanity between man and nature, between man• The Macau Pavilion was a five-storey, 360
to man, within the spirituality of men and withdegrees cinema that shows the culture and
man and materials. If left unattended, the discordtradition of Macau. Its 19.99 tall structure
could lead to strong decline in the urban living andsymbolizes their 1999 return to Mainland China.
eventually the degeneration of our civilization.The film in the cinema shows starred Macau
To set aside the negative notion of what city is allactors.
about, the World Expo 2010 was created with theOf the 185 country participants, one could just
theme "Better City, Better Life" whichimagine how wide and magnificent the area is and
emphasizes on the idea that the city is the placehow each country tries to impress other nations
of hope and happiness rather than discord andon what it has. There are many impressive
conflict.displays of arts, culture and technology in the
Participants in the Shanghai World Expo 2010different Pavilions; all putting emphasis on the
created their own extravagant interpretation oftheme of the Expo to pursue progress and
the theme. They educate and entertain visitorsimprove quality of life.
through various platforms that focus on:The creative and technological displays are derived
-Economic prosperityby certain concepts in relation to the theme of
-Innovations and invention with science andthe Expo. Hong Kong Pavilion, for instance,
technologyportrays values of positive attitude, openness,
-Remodelling and reinvention of communitiesexcellence, aggressiveness, quality of life and
-The harmonious mixing of different culturesinnovation. Poland Pavilion stresses the need for
-The interaction of the urban and rural lifestylesconstant and diligent improvement of itself to
Representation of the World Expo 2010 Thememaintain its progress.
There are 185 countries and regions thatIt would be good if all high officials and country
participated in the World Expo 2010; eachrepresentatives visit the World Expo 2010 and
displaying unique concepts in their individualget a good grasp of the different concepts of
Pavilions. Most people are awed by the display ofurbanization and its underlying values. This way,
each countries representation of their city or ofevery country in this world can integrate these
their country as a whole. Some would try toconcepts into their very own development, and
promote their products while others display theirperhaps realize the need for harmonious and
culture and history. The architectural structure andpeaceful quest for globalization.