A close relationship with nature and the pursuit of balance between utilizing, developing and protecting natural resources and landscapes are traditionally important factors in Nordic cultural history. These considerations have become even more important in the light of current environmental challenges. Therefore, the Nordic Ministers of Culture focus on landscape architecture as a means to sustainable urban development, sensitive and efficient land use and the promotion of Nordic competences during EXPO in Shanghai 2010
“The Nordic Countries are frontrunners in relation to sustainable urban development and efficient land use. Particularly within the field of design, architecture and landscape planning, creative and innovative Nordic forces are thriving. The exhibition ‘New Nordic landscapes’ is an excellent example of this, which I am certain, will prove inspirational to the many thousand visitors to the World EXPO in Shanghai”, says the Danish Minister of Culture, and Chair of Nordic Council of Ministers’ cultural collaboration, Per Stig Møller.
The Nordic Lighthouse, Shanghai
Through projects from the Nordic countries, the exhibition aims to demonstrate how landscape architecture is about so much more than making things look pretty. Used strategically, it has the potential to supply solutions that promote health and create better living conditions for people in both cities and rural regions. It presents sensuous experiences of landscape design and highlights the strategic role of landscape architecture in sustainable urban development and large scale planning. Iceland’s utilization of geothermal energy and the deployment of residues from the Norwegian oil industry are key examples of Nordic efforts in this regard.
The Geopark, Kjerringholmen in Stavanger, designed by architects Helen & Hard, has been chosen as the Norwegian contribution to the exhibition. The Geopark is an experimental urban space, which tests new ways of reusing resources from the petroleum sector. This industry’s geological and technological expertise, production methods and materials have been applied to create an activity park particularly for children. Helen & Hard are also the architects behind the Norwegian pavilion at this year’s World Expo in Shanghai.
The exhibition is initiated and financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers as part of the overall globalization strategy of the Nordic Ministers of Culture. The exhibition is developed by Danish Architecture Centre in collaboration with Norsk Form – Foundation for Design and Architecture in Norway, The Nordic House in Reykjavik, The Swedish Museum of Architecture and Museum of Finnish Architecture. Nordic Lighthouse is an exhibition centre offering the best of Scandinavian design, architecture, culture and technology. It is the result of cooperation between the Nordic representations in Shanghai, the Nordic Centre at Fudan University and the Yangpu district government during the World EXPO 2010.
For more information about the opening, please click here
Nordic Lighthouse
32 Qinhuangdao Rd., Yangpu district.
(Yangshupu Rd. Dalian Rd.)
How to get there
Subway Line 4