Shanghai Daily news

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the "green heart of Europe," is even smaller than half of Shanghai, but it is a must-see destination for many people visiting Europe.

Tiny Luxembourg attracts visitors with its imperial fortresses, peaceful vineyards and green forests - all to be condensed into a 3,000-square-meter pavilion in World Expo Shanghai 2010.

Luxembourg has unveiled its Expo Pavilion design, giving people a peek at its ideas on presenting its ancient stately character and modern technology - and, taking in classical Chinese sensibilities. The cost estimated between US$9 million and US$11 million.

Designers call it a special "forest and fortress" scene. The idea comes from the literal Chinese translation of Luxembourg - lu sen bao - "forest and fortress."

"The objective of the project is to demonstrate the concept of sustainable development through the structure and the content of the pavilion," said Robert Goebbels, the commissioner general of Luxembourg in Shanghai.

The unique design not only presents Luxembourg's reputation as the "green heart of Europe," but also embodies the theme of Shanghai Expo, "Better City, Better Life," said Hong Hao, director of the Bureau of the Shanghai World Expo Coordination.

The 15-meter-high main structure of steel, wood and glass is an open fortress and castle structure with large openings, overlooked by a medieval-type tower.

Large entrances and exits will allow a continuous flow of visitors to avoid long queues and make visitors feel comfortable.

To increase the feeling of openness, the outer walls will be include translucent panels, each representing a Chinese character.

Luxembourg emphasizes making the pavilion environment-friendly. It will be energy-efficient and energy-saving and will use renewable energy.

"All the materials are recyclable," said pavilion architect Francois Valentiny.

The exhibition area itself will feature two-way audiovisual transmissions via satellite between Luxembourg and Shanghai.

"Visitors can talk with Luxembourg people and we will bring live programs of Luxembourg events here, so that we can bring the country closer to Chinese people," said Jeannot Krecke, the country's minister of economy and foreign trade. There will be translations in French, English and Chinese, going both ways.

The two-way program aims to represent the harmonious coexistence of different cultures and a harmonious life made possible by modern technology, notably communications.

Large flat screens that use light-sensitive technology will illustrate in three dimensions the achievements of the Luxembourg economy.

The exhibition in the medieval tower will feature the theme of mobility, using a super-sized model of a futuristic car.

A children's nursery will be set up within the castle beside a restaurant. The menu will offer special Luxembourg beer, fine wines, sausages and traditional dishes, as well as Chinese food.

Visitors can buy Shanghai stamps, printed in 2010 by the Luxembourg Post, and Shanghai Euro coins issued by Luxembourg Central Bank to celebrate the Expo.

The pavilion design was unveiled when Luxembourg signed its Expo participation contract on November 1. It is the fourth country to sign the contract, after Ukraine, Hungary and Switzerland.