It is one of the largest at the ongoing Expo. The French Pavilion at the Expo in Osaka, Japan, is an attempt to combine modern architecture with history and cultural heritage. The sculptures set up outside do not announce what is happening inside. For inside, a spectacle of sound and light is taking place to showcase French heritage and an innovative view of the relationship between man, technology and nature. The France Pavilion at the Expo was designed by architects from the Coldefy studio and CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati. The interior installations are the work of artist Justine Emard.
The ‘Pulsations’ project that fills the interior of the French pavilion is the result of an ambitious two-year creative process in which stylistic visions and scenographic expertise met. GSM Project and Justine Emard, whose artwork adorns exhibitions around the world, created a narrative that transports the viewer into a world of pulsating energy. Inspiration came from the Japanese legend Akai Ito, or ‘red thread of fate’, which speaks of an invisible knot that connects people’s stories. As a result, the project gained three key motifs – a red thread, a hand and a beating heart – which together form a metaphor for the unbreakable bond connecting all participants in this extraordinary audio-visual spectacle.
Pulsations – a rhythm that connects spaces
The central element of the project is the pulse motif, identified both with the biological beating of the heart and with the musical rhythm that synchronises the various exhibition spaces. From the moment visitors enter the pavilion, they are immersed in a continuous stream of sounds, images and movement that carries them through the carefully designed spaces. In an ambitious design, sound, light and visuals have been harmonised to create a unified melody that is a metaphor for the collective pace of life, the energy of nature and pulsating creativity. A key element of this cohesion is the master synchronised soundtrack, developed by the IRCAM team, which accompanies each stage of the pavilion’s journey.
A multisensory experience
“Pulsations – an anthem of love” is not only a modern interpretation of sound and image, but also the meeting of two worlds: past and present. The exhibition successfully combines heritage elements, such as Rodin’s sculptures or artefacts saved during catastrophic fires (such as fragments from Notre-Dame), with modern digital installations.
Justine Emard’s artistic vision fits perfectly with the idea of emphasising universal values – love, unity and the ongoing connection between cultures. The final part of the exhibition, entitled ‘Across the Archipelago, the Great Pulsation’, creates a multimedia performance featuring three conceptual islands symbolising the cultural and natural ties between France and Japan. This part of the exhibition builds a narrative combining historical memories with a vision of the future, showing how both cultures approach the preservation of heritage and biodiversity.
The French pavilion also exemplifies the achievements of the companies there. The building features exhibits from brands such as Louis Vuitton, Axa, Ninapharm, Vins d’Alsace and Dior. On the opening day of the Expo, the pavilion was besieged by visitors wanting to see it. The French report that they can cater for up to 2,500 people per hour, and are aiming to welcome a total of three million visitors over the six-month World Expo.
architectural design: Coldefy and CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati
scenographers for the pavilion: GSM PROJECT
photos: Julien Lanoo, Justine Emard
source: v2com
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