Expo Milano 2015

For the Belgian Pavilion, two BIPV⁽²⁾ glazings incorporating either photovoltaic cells (SunEwat XL) or an organic film⁽³⁾ 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⁽⁴⁾ 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⁽⁵⁾ has been installed on the roof and façade of the Belgian pavilion, while Stopray LamiSmart 24⁽⁶⁾ was chosen for the entire façade of the Japanese pavilion (1,100 m²).

A wide range of decorative glass

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 glass^TM (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).

Glass as a medium for displaying information...

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: infoverre^TM and Sunlux^TM. infoverre^TM, 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. Sunlux^TM, 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.