At the upcoming Expo Milano 2015, the Belgian and Japanese pavilions were built using a total of 3,300 m2 of high-performance glass designed to provide solar protection, generate energy and be decorative as well as safe and hygienic, and even serve as a dynamic medium for displaying information.
AGC has been instrumental in the construction of the Belgian and Japanese pavilions at the Expo Milano 2015: a total of 3,300 m2 of high-performance glass has been used for both buildings, designed to provide solar protection, generate energy and be decorative as well as safe and hygienic, and even serve as a dynamic medium for displaying information.
Reflecting the general theme of the upcoming Expo, the two pavilions feature AGC Glass Europe’s superior energy-performance glazings. For the Belgian Pavilion, two BIPV glazings incorporating either photovoltaic cells (SunEwat XL) or an organic film cover the southern side of the geodetic dome and roof – two features which symbolise respectively the ideal urban-planning model of the future comprising a central area with surrounding districts, and the traditional Belgian farm. Covering a total area of 315 m2, the photovoltaic cells supply electricity to the pavilion by generating an estimated 130 kWh of energy daily.
As part of AGC Glass Europe’s range of high-performance magnetron-coated products, Stopray glazings maintain a comfortable temperature inside the pavilions thanks to their solar-control features. With this in mind, 560 m2 of Stopray Smart 51/33 has been installed on the roof and façade of the Belgian pavilion, while Stopray LamiSmart 24 was chosen for the entire façade of the Japanese pavilion (1,100 m2).
Decorative glass manufactured by AGC Glass Europe proved the ideal choice for partition walls inside the pavilions. In an area inside the Belgian pavilion showcasing Belgian specialities, visitors can join in cookery demonstrations by award-winning Belgian chefs. The hi-tech kitchen features over 100 m2 of partitions made of either clear AntiBacterial glassTM (Planibel AB) or white painted glass (Lacobel AB). This patented technology, which involves diffusing silver ions into the outer layers of the glass, eliminates 99.9% of surface bacteria – a crucial consideration for spaces in which fresh food is prepared on a daily basis! In the Japanese pavilion, white toughenable painted glass (Lacobel T Crisp White) has been used for 150 m2 of partitions.
Planibel Clearvision with its low iron content gives a pure, extra-clear appearance to the majestic staircase that visitors will use to access the central area of the Belgian pavilion, beneath the light-filled geodetic dome. The bent glass balustrade is completely transparent, and offers excellent light-transmission and colour rendering, while the laminated-glass stairs feature an opaque white PVB film.
Three highly decorative glazings – Artlite Digital (an enamelled, digitally printed glass), Planibel Clear (clear glass) and Planibel Linea Azzurra (glass with a slightly blue tint) – have been used in a total of 850 m2 of walls and balustrades in both pavilions (kitchen, VIP lounges).
In the Japanese pavilion, encompassing the theme “Harmony Diversity”, visitors will be invited to test their five senses in an exhibition across five areas dedicated to Japanese food culture. Two products designed and manufactured by Asahi Glass Company (the AGC Group’s parent company) have been used in the Pavilion: infoverreTM and SunluxTM. infoverreTM, a new product comprising an LCD screen set on glass, has been used to create media tables. The glass will serve as an information point and will be used to project text and images, reflecting the pavilion’s avant-garde style. SunluxTM, a glass which combines the reflective properties of a mirror with the technique of projecting images through glass, will be used to depict rural Japan.
These two pavilions highlight the fact that for the AGC Group, opting for cutting-edge glazing solutions lies at the heart of a sustainable and innovative strategy.
Based in Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium), AGC Glass Europe produces, processes and markets flat glass for the construction industry (external glazing and interior decoration), car manufacture and solar power applications. It is the European branch of AGC, the world’s leading producer of flat glass. It has over 100 sites throughout Europe, from Spain to Russia, and employs around 14,500 employees.