KONE, an official National Partner for Finland’s “Kirnu” pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, is supplying the pavilion with a one-of-a-kind elevator inspired by the basic elements of Finland’s landscape and four seasons. The elevator, traveling vertically across the pavilion’s three floors, will be a highly visible and integral part of the Finnish pavilion as an exhibition piece.
Specially prepared by KONE’s Design team in conjunction with the pavilion’s architects the elevator and its shaft structure were designed to replicate the effects of a Chinese lantern but with a Finnish twist. A sight in itself, the custom-built elevator cabin will include finely designed materials such as handmade ceramic artwork for the floor designed by well-known Finnish ceramist Karin Widnäs and a high quality semi-transparent glass from German glass experts, Schott. The elevator will also feature the latest in RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology which will enable the pavilion’s VIP guest to access the top floor.
“Our challenge was to seamlessly blend the elevator’s design with the look and feel of the pavilion’s beautiful architecture,” says Anne Stenros, Vice President, KONE Design. “The Finnish pavilion’s architecture is already unique in many ways. Our main goal was to come up with a design that not only complements the whole pavilion, but also enhances the pavilion’s ambiance. The result is a unique elevator interior and user experience which will change the way people look at elevator design.”
Designed by Helsinki architect firm JKMM, the Finnish pavilion “Kirnu” (or Giant’s Kettle) aims to build its exhibition around the elements of ‘a better life’ – well-being, competence and the environment – which also form a solid foundation for ‘a better city’. The pavilion will rise from the water as an island-like miniature city. A bridge will lead visitors over the water and into the pavilion.
Spreading 320 hectares in the heart of Shanghai, the expo is expecting 70 million visitors from around the globe between May and October 2010. Over 200 countries and international organizations are expected as exhibitors, marking next year’s World Expo as the largest in Expo history.
About KONE
KONE’s objective is to offer the best people flow experience by developing and delivering solutions that enable people to move smoothly, safely, comfortably and without waiting in buildings in an increasingly urbanizing environment. KONE provides its customers with industry-leading elevators, escalators and innovative solutions for modernization and maintenance, and is one of the global leaders in its industry. In 2008, KONE had annual net sales of EUR 4.6 billion and over 34,800 employees. KONE class B shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd in Finland.
