The Judges Awards

06.2 UK Pavilion, Shanghai Expo 2010, China, by Heatherwick Studio

Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the UK Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo quickly became instantly recognisable around the globe for its unique and striking form. The 20m-high pavilion was constructed from 60,000 transparent, 7.5m-long optical strands, with the tip of each featuring a seed. Named the Seed Cathedral, the building showcases the work of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, while creating a beautiful outdoor public resting space for Expo visitors. The interior is simple and silent, lit impressively by the light flickering through the optical rods. In June, the now dismantled structure was awarded the prestigious 2010 RIBA Lubetkin Prize.

Key features: Minimal and powerful design concept that adds to the Expo's open-air public spaces

Architects' previous work: Rolling Bridge, London; East Beach Café, Littlehampton, UK; Creative Business Units, Aberystwyth, UK

Based: London

Categories