A unique £6 million structure inspired by the honeybee, designed by a Nottingham artist and constructed and managed by UK firms will represent the UK at the 2015 World expo.
UK Trade and Investment writes:
A structure inspired by the unique role of the honeybee will represent the UK on the world stage at the Milan Expo in 2015.
At a ceremony in Rome today (Sunday 18 May), Prince Harry announced that Nottingham based artist Wolfgang Buttress has won the competition to design the UK Pavilion for the next Universal Expo. Prince Harry is taking part in the unveiling during an official visit to Italy in support of the British Government.
British companies Stage One and RISE have been awarded the £6 million contract to build the winning design, bringing together their creative construction and construction management capabilities. Together the winners represent Nottingham, York and London, with the contracts bringing new jobs to the 3 regions.
Welcoming the announcement, Trade Minister Lord Livingston said: ‘Success in international markets is at the heart of the government’s long-term plan to build a stronger, more competitive economy.
The UK’s participation in the Milan Expo will promote the UK’s world leading expertise in the creative, life sciences, agri-tech, and food and drink sectors to our top trade and investment partners.
Through the UK Pavilion, we will reach millions of visitors and build on the reputation of the UK established at the 2010 Shanghai Expo and the London 2012 Olympic Games.’
Winning artist Wolfgang Buttress opened his first studio in Nottingham after graduating in 1987 and now employs 7 people. Over the last 2 years he has won numerous national and international awards, including the International Structural Steel Award for projects under £2 million in 2013. Earlier this year he received the Kajima Gold Award in Japan for his work ‘Space’.
The UK Pavilion at the last Universal Expo in Shanghai 2010, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, attracted international acclaim and won gold for best design. In the duration of the 6 month Expo more than 8 million people went inside the ‘Seed Cathedral’, making it the UK’s most visited tourist attraction during that time.
