MILAN – On Thursday May 29, in the Spazio Sforza of Expo Gate in Milan, Filippo Ciantia, Project Manager of the Cluster Project and Marco Chiodi, Participants Design Development, unveiled the Clusters of Expo Milano 2015 to the public, as part of the initiative News from Expo Milano 2015.
To take part in the exhibition, Countries could choose to build their own pavilion or become involved through an innovative model of participation: the Cluster. Each cluster is an architectural design that encompasses multiple Countries that have in common the production of a particular food or an interest in developing a specific theme.
“The spirit of the Universal Exposition is the collaboration among the Countries, fostered by the Clusters which encompass several Countries in a common topic of interest within the same thematic space,” explains Filippo Ciantia, Project Manager of the Cluster Project (click to enlarge the pictures).
“The work began two years ago with architectural workshops and teams involving representatives of the Countries, architects, designers and Universities. The dialogue was so valuable that some Clusters were suggested by the Countries themselves: for example, the Bio-Mediterraneum has been strongly backed by the Commissioner-General of Lebanon, whilst Sri Lanka proposed the theme of a space for Spices. We started this road together and the partnership that has developed over the months has been the greatest asset of this preparatory phase.” There are nine Cluster Themes: : Agriculture and Nutrition in Arid Zones ; Islands, Seas and Food ; Bio-Mediterranean – Health, Beauty and Harmony ; Rice – Abundance and Security ; Caffè; Cocoa – the Food of Gods ; Cereals and Tubers – Old and New Crops ; Fruits and Legumes ; The World of Spices .
The construction of the Pavilions has already begun and will be completed in November 2014. At that point, the Countries will be able to enter the facilities and complete their interiors.
“Each Cluster will have a Partner, that is, a company or an institution that connects the Organizer, Expo 2015 S.p.A, to the management and animation of the Common Areas of the Cluster,” continues Ciantia.
“To date, Illycaffè, the Region of Sicily and Eurochocolate are Partners respectively of the Clusters of Coffee, Bio-Mediterraneum and Cocoa. Our intention is also to involve Civil Society as soon as possible: we want Expo Milano 2015 to emerge as a legacy for all, and the best way is to build it together.” 50 countries have already signed the participation agreement and the goal is to get to 77. As in a small town, in addition to the pavilions dedicated to each Cluster, there will be meeting areas, dedicated to exhibitions, events, catering, and the possibility to buy products from all over the world.
Expo 2015 will host the first International Coffee Day on October 1st 2015, as well as the first Global Coffee Forum and the 115th Session of the International Coffee Council in September 2015.
Source: Expo Milano 2015
