• The largest international exposition of Water and Sustainable Development
• More than 100 countries participate in the exposition
• Vitro supplied the glass for the Pabellón Puente, the most emblematic and complex structure on the grounds

The Pabellón Puente is the work of the world famous architect Zaha Hadid.

On June 14 the largest international exposition dedicated to water, Expo Zaragoza 2008, was opened to the public. That day alone more than 40,000 visitors visited the event where México had a leading role as President Felipe Calderón inaugurated the Mexican Pavilion and the prestigious Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, author of the most complex structure on the grounds, inaugurated the Pabellón Puente.

The Expo Zaragoza 2008 is an exposition where water and daring architectural designs, engaged with the environment, will be the principal attractions during the 3 month long event.

Nestled along the Ebro River the sprawling 25 hectares is comprised of: the Palace of the Congresses, pavilions for more than 100 participating countries, the largest rain aquarium in Europe, and, architectural projects that will give the Expo and, in general to Zaragoza, a more than innovative touch.

Among the more emblematic structures of the macro complex, stands out El Pabellón Puente (the Bridge Pavilion) representing the most challenging building of all the Expo and is one of the three main entrances to the fair grounds as it forms a gathering center between the two banks of the Ebro River. It is also the perfect connection point to visit the Mexican Pavilion, the only country to have its own pavilion structure other than the host country Spain.

The Pabellón Puente is the work of the famous architect Zaha Hadid and has a very unique stylized design. It is supported on both banks of the river and an island situated in the middle of the river channel. It has an organic braided shape that simulates a gladiola that opens and closes as in its natural element. The structure extends from one river side to the other and the support mounds blend smoothly down to the river’s edge.

The winning team for the project defines the Pabellón Puente as an object that is born from the natural conditions of the river and its banks.

The structural base for the Pavilion, inspired from the scales of a shark, is made of steel and covered with glass that provides the necessary natural lighting for the visitors. 

The structure poses a new panoramic order for the banks of the Ebro River.

As part of its commitment and innovation to provide architecture, optimum and friendly solutions to the environment, Vitro Cristalglass was the company chosen to supply the more than 400 square meters of architectural glass needed for the main iconic structure.

Pabellón Puente in figures

Constructed surface = 6.475m² Bridge’s length = 270m Glass required = 401,52m² (Isolar Solarlux Neutro 62 and Isolar Neutralux) Purpose of the Pavilion = The Water Exposition, “A Unique Resource” Estimated visitors = 10.000/hour

 

The beginning of these international expositions dates back to 1851 where the city of London was chosen as the site for the first of its kind Expo. After its resounding success, numerous expositions took place around the world; among them, for example, the Paris Exposition in 1889 that brought to the world the famous Eiffel Tower.

 

For more information about the Expo Zaragoza 2008: http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/

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