U.S. confirms pavilion at Yeosu Expo

The United States announced that it is joining the 108 countries and international organizations taking part in the 2012 Yeosu Expo.

The U.S. Embassy said that its pavilion will build upon the expo’s theme of “The Living Ocean and Coast,” and showcase the diversity, spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and commitment to sustainable development of the American people.

“This demonstrates the U.S.’ commitment to deepening our friendly ties and strengthening U.S.-Korea relations and engagement in the Asia-Pacific region,” the embassy’s press statement said.

The USA Pavilion 2012’s design and day-to-day operation will be led by explorer, environmentalist and social entrepreneur Philippe Cousteau Jr., grandson of Jacques Cousteau.

It will house a 12,000-square foot exhibit featuring the United States’ shoreline through displays and programs that highlight the diverse nature of America’s waters and coastal communities.

Focusing on the themes of diversity, wonder and solutions, the USA Pavilion is expected to reach millions of visitors through a host of technologies and storytelling.

A highlight of the American Pavilion experience for visitors will be interaction with student ambassadors.

In partnership with the University of Virginia, 40 college-aged American student ambassadors proficient in the Korean language will be selected to serve as representatives of the United States, engaging directly with visitors and supporting the operation of the USA Pavilion.

For more information on the USA Pavilion, visit www.pavilion2012.org or follow them on Twitter at Twitter.com/usapavilion2012.

The Yeosu Declaration

Here we introduce the Yeosu Declaration which represents the legacy of Yeosu Expo.
The Yeosu Declaration calls for cooperation among the international community in marine environment conservation efforts worldwide.

Overview...

Background

Oceans and coasts are not only the origin of life on Earth, but also a rich repository of biological diversity and a foundation for human survival. However, indiscriminate development and exploitation of these resources such as discharge of pollutants into the ocean, over-fishing and damages of coral reefs pose significant threats and stress to the marine environment, calling for needs to formulate ways to protect them.
The Yeosu Declaration, pursued as part of the legacy of the Yeosu Expo is intended not only to enhance the awareness of dangers faced by the sea but also to promote the necessity of international cooperation for turning these challenges into hopes for the future. The year 2012 is a significant year in terms of human efforts to pursue sustainable development. It is the 40th anniversary of the Stockholm Declaration, the 30th anniversary of the Nairobi Declaration, the 20th anniversary of the Rio Declaration and the 10th anniversary of the Johannesburg Declaration. In this respect, the Yeosu Declaration will celebrate humanity’s efforts to find sustainable ways to develop the ocean, and create an international consensus in support of the Expo’s theme, “The Living Ocean and Coast.”

Action Plans for 2011-2012

As an international manifesto, the Yeosu Declaration will be jointly developed in consultation with marine experts from home and abroad, including those from international organizations. The draft created in 2010 will be elaborated and reviewed by an international panel of experts from various fields. In year leading up to the Expo, the Yeosu Declaration will be presented at various forums and symposiums of international organizations, to raise its visibility and build a consensus in the international community in support of the content of the document.

Key Content

Understanding of the value of the seas and coasts
Restoration of the marine ecosystem and biological resources that are being damaged
Sustainable use and preservation of the marine environment and resources
Promotion of knowledge- and fact-based understanding about climate change
Green growth based on the use of marine resources
Participation of citizens in pursuing marine cooperation
International cooperation to use seas as a space for co-existence of humankind

Summary...

The Essence of the Yeosu Declaration

The ocean is essential to the well-being of all humanity and it should be taken care of for present and future generations.
The ocean, as repository of diverse resources, provides a foundation for human civilization and survival.
The ocean is faced with significant threats of degraded ecosystems, calling for concerted global efforts to minimize and reverse the damage brought upon the ocean ecosystem.Education and capacity building on the responsible use of the marine resources are critical for marine conservation and development.
Extreme weather events resulting from climate change pose significant challenges to our civilization, demanding augmented scientific data and knowledge.
Understanding of the ocean, as well as voluntary contributions and actions by the general public are indispensable for sustainable marine stewardship.
The ocean is a new driver of economic growth, i.e., the ”Blue Economy” will foster a governance architecture for the development of future green growth technology.
The ocean is ”One Ocean,” a space for peace, cooperation, and prosperity of humankind.
Best efforts are needed to promote maritime cultures for educating the public to develop the ocean sustainably for the benefit of future generations.
Domestic and international efforts should be undertaken to place increased emphasis on overseas development assistance.

Source : http://eng.expo2012.kr

Vision and Goal

Here we introduce the purpose and the vision of Yeosu Expo and strategies for its success.

The Living Ocean and Coast

Vision

Sea level rise, the loss of biodiversity, acidification and pollution are only a few dangers threatening our seas and coasts. Restoring sustainable life to our marine environment is the responsibility of the entire global community.
The sea is our green engine for future growth. Its abundant resources and potential provide us important research into bio- and nanotechnology.
The sea offers a new frontier for global cooperation in order to realize harmonious coexistence with the marine environment.

Goals

People, oceans and coasts in harmony
A touch of entertainment added to the valuable lessons provided about the oceans will help visitors better understand the seas and the importance of sustainable management of our waters. A new post-industrial model citizen, the Seatizen, will act as the bridge between the seas and humankind. 

Unforgettable experience
An inspiring and memorable experience is promised through the unique exhibitions and stories and eye-catching attractions. Anyone and everyone may visit Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea and share in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A taste of the future
Advanced IT and marine technology come together to create multi-dimensional exhibitions, offering the experience of future marine technologies, virtual reality and the oceans of the past. Developing countries will have the chance to experience and share advanced eco-friendly marine technology, as well as being able to appreciate tomorrow’s vision of the marine industry and science. 

International cooperation
Promoting a new level of international cooperation and peaceful use of the seas, the Yeosu Declaration will propose a post-Kyoto vision, and the Yeosu Project will help strengthen developing countries’ capacities in dealing with the marine-related challenges.

-> Post-EXPO uses

A thorough plan will be laid out for post-expo utilization of the expo facitilies and on-going revitalization of Yeosu. Marine research facilities and organizations will continue to be welcomed into Yeosu so as to maintain it as an eco-friendly city of marine science and industry beyond the Expo.

Strategy

Green Exposition
In the spirit of the theme of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea, all preparations and events will leave a limited carbon footprint, and the Energy Park will become the test-bed for renewable energy. The entire Expo site will be constructed with environmentally-friendly methods and recycled materials to produce the least amount of waste possible.

Ubiquitous Exposition
The construction and operation of the Expo facilities and exhibitions will be based on Korea’s cutting-edge information technology. Visitors will have the chance to indulge in novel experiences, involving virtual and augmented reality. The Expo Digital Gallery, among others, will be representative of the ubiquitous Expo.

Design Exposition

Every facility of the Yeosu Expo will be based on the most inspirational and contemporary designs. Major facilities, including the Korean Pavilion and the Thematic Pavilion, will be based on the winning designs of an international competition hosted for this very purpose. Prominent art directors will be invited to supervise the various cultural and arts events and advise on the creation of world class exhibitions.

Cultural Exposition

Cultural events will be major attractions at the Yeosu Expo. A flavor of culture and art will be found in official events, exhibition contents and seminars. Symbolic cultural products will be designed to promote the expo, and world famous cultural and arts performances will be an integral part of Yeosu’s regional promotion.


Source : http://eng.expo2012.kr

The Living Ocean and Coast

Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities

The main theme of Yeosu Expo, "The Living Ocean and Coast", conceptualizes the most desirable future for the ocean whose sound preservation and well-being is essentially linked with the survival of humankind.

“Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities” defines the guiding principle that should inform all future actions regarding our oceans. Only with sustainable use, in other words finding the balance between production and consumption, while preserving diversity of resources, species and culture, can the ocean and coasts continue to live.

Background of the Theme

The Expo theme will help shed light on humankind’s knowledge and advancement of technology concerning the ocean and coast and identify ways to resolve challenges facing the ocean. Since the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea went into effect in 1993, the ocean has emerged as an important element in resolving various problems humankind faces, including those related to resources, food, space and the environment. However, industrial activities have damaged the marine ecosystem and subsequently reduced fish stocks. As a result, the ocean faces severe crisis. A damaged marine ecosystem, global warming and natural disasters are not limited to a certain country or region, but are issues that have global implications. Thus, Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea themed on “The Living Ocean and Coast,” will pave the way for reaffirming global effort to resolve such issues.

Yeosu Expo’s theme, “The Living Ocean and Coast,” was divided into three sub-themes: Coastal Development and Preservation, New Resources Technology, and Creative Maritime Activities. These sub-themes have been further developed into 6 thematic groups, namely, Climate & Environment, Marine Life, Marine Industry & Technology, Marine City & Marine Civilization, and Marine Arts, each of which will be demonstrated in the respective sub-theme pavilions.

Sub-themes

Coastal Development and Preservation
This sub-theme aims to inspire a new level of cooperation in the international community so as to combat climate change and create a paradigm where development and preservation find a better balance.
The last few decades have witnessed severe environmental degradation caused by reckless use and excessive development of natural resources by humankind. Our economies and societies must break away from their current fossil fuel-based economies to minimize the damages to both people and the environment. Today, individuals, businesses, countries and the global community must realize that marine resources are limited and should not be subject to careless use. They are the fundamentals for the sound development of our future society, and people and ecosystems must be considered on the same level.

New Resources Technology
This sub-theme illustrates the progress and future prospects of marine technology, a new growth driver for the advancement of humankind.
Countries are competing to become more competitive in marine-related industries and develop technologies to address issues related to resources and the changing environment. The discreet use of resources, which strikes a balance between development and preservation, is only possible if based on advanced marine science and technology. Fostering marine industries will create added value and generate new jobs to transform sluggish industries into low cost, high efficiency structures.

Creative Maritime Activities
This sub-theme intends to demonstrate the relationship between the oceans and humankind through culture and art and promote the new ideals of the seatizen and seavilization.
An energetic mix of play and experience (edutainment) will trigger the imagination and curiosity of attendees towards an unknown world, inspiring young boys and girls around the world to learn to love and appreciate the oceans. A wide collection of marine-related culture and arts, including poetry, novels, films, operas, musicals, plays and music will be exhibited at the Yeosu Expo.

Source : http://eng.expo2012.kr

Thematic pavilion - Yeosu 2012

As you probably know, is the project's architectural firm SOMA who won the competition for the theme pavilion of the exhibition of 2012 Yeosu.

We will see in detail what this building will look like.

© SOMA

Design Concept
The pavilion theme was designed to be a permanent building while embodying many ways the theme of the exhibition is: "For coastal and ocean living." We experience the ocean in two main ways, as an endless surface and as the prospect of plunging. This dual flat / deep ocean behind this concept and organizational space of the building. The continuous surfaces twist a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation. The vertical stress cones visitors to dive into the thematic exhibition. They operate in horizontal levels that cover the home and become a flexible stage for the "Best Practices Area".
The continuous transitions between contrasting experiences also form the exterior of the Pavilion. Towards the sea, the conglomerate of cones defines a new solid vertical sinuous line, an edge that is flexible changing between water and land. On the opposite side of the pavilion grows out of the earth in an artificial landscape, a roof with gardens and picturesque paths.

© SOMA

Urban context
The building will be erected in a former industrial port along a new walkway adjacent to the "Big O". This bridge will connect the pavilion at the Expo. After the Expo this walk will turn into an "urban beach" by providing recreational activities to the public.

© SOMA

Program and traffic
The main entrance is located on Ocean Plaza, which is partially covered by the flag and to have a shaded outdoor area. The space limitations of fireplace are defined by the twisting surfaces of the cones. The interstitial spaces between them frame the ocean view and create niches for visitors who will want to take a break. The area before the show, during the show and after the show is spatially modulated: To start the spectators come slowly through the first two cones of a ceiling height of 8m, then they enter the main room, a huge area 1000 m2 with 20 meters high. After the show, people arrive in the area after the show lower and more intimate that leads to the cafeteria and an island open to the ocean, where they can relax and watch the movement of the ocean. Visitors can take the escalator to the second floor, where the area of ​​Best Practices ahead. Here institutions will present their research in areas such as renewable energy or marine technology. From the lobby or from "The area of ​​Best Practices" visitors can take the stairs or elevator to see the gardens on the roof. The roof is the third exhibition space, which invites people to relax and enjoy a 360 degree view of the Expo site. The gardens on the roofs will be covered plant species from local ratings. To leave the pavilion, visitors will travel a long winding ramp with a panoramic view of the ocean and surrounding islands.
Service functions, such as offices, technical areas and storage areas are located underneath the landscape of the building.

After the period of the EXPO building will house public and educational facilities.

© SOMA

© SOMA

Bionic kinetic facade - the effects of waves
As a virtual multimedia performances during the exhibition theme, the front kinetics, as the overall architecture of the pavilion, evokes sensual experiences.
In addition to their oversight function of light intensity and air flow in the lobby area and best practices, the movement creates the strips moving patterns on the facade. The choreography will bring up the subtle movements of waves along the length of the building.

This movement of the blades is reminiscent of the movement and function of the gills of a poison, which is most impressive is that sense of life of the building, we will see "breathe."

After sunset, the visual effect of the movement of blades is accentuated by linear bar made of LEDs, which are located on the inside of the front edge of the coverslip. The slide in the open position, the LED can illuminate the neighboring strip according to the angle. The principle of bionics plates produces a constant geometry, material, movement and light are perfectly linked. As a movement, emotional experience of the facade combines kinetic sensation sensational communicating with the theme of the EXPO as an innovative way and investigation.

© SOMA

© SOMA

© SOMA

Climatic design
The lobby area and best practices are naturally ventilated. Therefore, the interstitial spaces between the cones were oriented in the direction of prevailing winds to create drafts. In large vertical exposures, the air will be distributed through the floor to reduce the amount of volume of air conditioning. During the day, the strips kinetics are used to control the amount of light. These strips are activated by the energy generated by solar panels on the roof. The building's energy performance has been analyzed by detailed simulations to reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency.

© SOMA

© SOMA

© SOMA

Structure
The different appearance of the pavilion - open to the Expo site and closed to the sea, were also defined according to the constraints of the site. Facing the sea, the cones reinforced concrete can prevent the roof for damages related to typhoons and high waves. The roof and facade kinetics have a substructure of steel. The kinetic facade will be produced from FRP Reinforced Polyester (Fiberglass) and uses the material properties and flexibility for its operation.

© SOMA

Introduction to Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea

Captured in the Yeosu's Expo's motifs is the desire to create harmony between the eart, the ocean, and global ecosystems.

Official Title :
Full : International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012
Short : Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea

Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea

Venue: New Port area in Yeosu, Korea
Period: May 12 – August 12, 2012
Site area: 1.74 million m²

※ Consists of exhibition area of 250,000 ㎡ and auxiliary facilities (including Expo Town, Transit Parking Lots, parks, green areas, etc.)
The site has the geographical edge that comes from being adjacent to the ocean, and thus, is ideal for realizing the Expo theme, “The Living Ocean and Coast.” The site overlooks Hallyeosudo Marine National Park and Odong Island, and is surrounded by 317 jewel-like islets, having the perfect natural conditions to make the Expo’s theme come alive.

Anticipited Results
The Yeosu Expo will provide an opportunity to enhance the international community’s perception of the function and value of the ocean and coast, share knowledge on the proper use of the ocean and coast and recognize the need for cooperation in the marine sector. It will also serve as a venue to learn about the achievements of and future models for the marine sector and offer a valuable chance to promote state-of-the-art marine science and technology and marine industries.


The Exposition will be an opportunity for the international community to clearly understand the role of the ocean and coast as well as the challenge facing humanity caused by the reckless development of the ocean and coast.

Participants will be able to benchmark as well as promote successful development cases where development and preservation are well balanced.

The Exposition will present a role model for transforming the declining port and its neighboring area into a new space for living.

The Exposition will be a chance to induce and urge cooperation and joint efforts from the international community. In particular, the Yeosu Project will offer a golden opportunity for resolving imminent ocean-related problems facing developing countries.

Participants will be able to experience cutting-edge marine science and technology for the future.
Developing countries will have an opportunity to acquire state-of-the-art marine science and technology.

The Exposition will be a chance to share and co-develop sophisticated marine science and technology, thus significantly contributing to the mutual development of the marine industry.

The Exposition will mobilize state-of-the-art technology to offer visitors an opportunity to experience a futuristic exposition.

Participating countries can utilize the Exposition as a test market to gauge the feasibility of their marine science, technology and products.

Source : http://eng.expo2012.kr

Clinton announces U.S. participation in Yeosu Expo

WASHINGTON (Yonhap News) -- In an announcement timed for South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's state visit, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday that her country will take part in a large-scale maritime festival to be held in the Asian nation's southwestern coastal city next year.

"I'm proud to announce another new venue for cooperation: The United States will host a pavilion at the 2012 Yeosu World Expo in partnership with Philippe Cousteau Jr.," Clinton said at a state luncheon for the president and First Lady Kim Yoon-ok at the White House. Lee and President Barack Obama had summit talks earlier in the day.

The secretary was referring to a famed environmentalist and social entrepreneur.

She appreciated support from businesses for sponsorship of the public-private project.

The Yeosu expo is slated to take place from May 12 through Aug. 12 in 2012. The event, which 108 countries and international organizations will attend, is expected to draw several million visitors.

The State Department said in a press release that "participation in this expo demonstrates U.S. commitment to strengthening U.S.-ROK relations and engagement in the Asia-Pacific region and deepens our friendly ties with the people of the Republic of Korea."

French Yeosu pavilion stresses ocean’s future

The French Embassy unveiled its plans for the French pavilion at the Yeosu World Expo next year.

As its theme, the French government has chosen “France, its Coasts, its Oceans” and also unveiled their mascot for the expo named Sogeumi.

“Korea and France are both countries with a high respect for the ocean,” said French Ambassador Elisabeth Laurin during a press conference.

“In France we have over 1,900 kilometers of coastal waters, so there is a lot of affinity between the two countries and their people in subjects like the environment, high technology. That’s what we will find at our pavilion,” she added.

French Ambassador Elisabeth Laurin (third from left) is accompanied by (from left to right) President of COFRES Jose Freches who is in charge of the French pavilion,architect of the pavilion David-Pierre Jalicon, Laurin, the mascot Sogeumi, and Yeosu 2012 organizing committee director Kwon Young-dae. (Yoav Cerralbo/The Korea Herald)


Organizers of the world expo are predicting that 3 million visitors will attend, of which about half a million will be from abroad.

The French Embassy is hoping to attract 1 million visitors to its pavilion with the goal of presenting the country as a maritime superpower.

Visitors to the French pavilion will learn about the different beautiful spots found along the country’s coast.

The pavilion will also showcase French desalination technology. The French contingency will demonstrate the different processes seawater goes through before being transformed into drinkable water by using an animated version of their mascot Sogeumi.

The front side of the pavilion is made up of 300 hourglasses filled with moving salt to illustrate the time remaining before the world’s supply of drinking water is exhausted.

Once inside, visitors will follow Sogeumi on his journey.

In another room, visitors will see a small scale replica of the Sea Orbiter, a floating research laboratory intended to observe ocean life.

There will also be humanoid and aquatic robots peppered throughout the 845 square meter pavilion.

The expo will run from May 12 to Aug. 12 at the Yeosu New Port and Deokchung-dong, South Jeolla Province.

(yoav@heraldm.com)