Estonia

Spruce forest undulates on roof

Nation: Estonia National Day: 27.09.00

Dynamic, surging movement is the Estonians' central idea. The movement of the spruce trees on the roof of the pavilion resembles that of waves and harmonises with the rhythmic sway of the pebbles on the glass floor. The whole effect symbolises the forests of Estonia, swaying in the wind, while shimmering blue glass walls evoke the Baltic Sea. This unusual design for a pavilion also reflects the country's new ideas and untraditional solutions, its specific cultural identity and its transparency and openness.

"Environment and development", "Leisure time and movement" and "Education and culture" are the themes of the exhibition. Large screens show films on Estonia. 12 touch-screens invite the visitor to an interactive dialogue. With these features Estonia demonstrates that it aims to achieve a balance between mankind, environment, technology and between economic efficiency and open-mindedness.