Shanghai World Expo 2010: The Ice Cube

Ice Cube

The International Polar Foundation was invited to be part of the EU-Belgian pavilion at the World Expo 2010, taking place from May 1st to October 31st in Shanghai. A LED-lit giant ice cube will draw visitors into the world of Polar Regions, polar science and climate change, showcasing Belgium’s involvement in climate-related sciences.

The organization committee of Expo 2010 expects more than 80 million visitors over the six months period, with an estimated split of 90% Chinese nationals and 10% international visitors.

The Ice Cube

The main objective of IPF is to convey to visitors the importance of Polar Regions and Polar sciences for understanding climate change, and to entice them to act and aim towards “zero emission” lifestyles.

The Ice Cube is a structure representing an iceberg, as two blocks separated by a crevasse.

Block 1 will display the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica station and climate related sciences, a project completed by the IPF with the support of private sponsors and the Belgian Federal Government.
Block 2 will display the Polaris Climate Change Observatory (PCCO), a permanent venue dedicated to a better understanding of the climate, which will open to the general public from 2013 in Brussels.

The crevasse where people will be able to walk across contains on one side a wall of real ice; such wall is likely to be a great attraction so that visitors can relate to the rapid melting of sea ice in the Arctic, or glaciers around the world.

Passive buildings and energy efficiency are at the heart of the Princess Elisabeth Station and central to the World Expo 2010 main theme: "Better City, Better Life". With more than 50% of mankind living in urbanised environment, our cities we will have to invest into energy-efficient mobility systems and buildings.