Qatar - Switzerland - Tukmenistan - Turkey - USA - Vatican

Qatar

The architecture of the Qatar Pavilion recalls the traditional market – the souq - with internal paths in Arabian forms. It covers an area of 2,450 square meters and it consists of a large central space with a circular structure at the center that is reminiscent of the form of the traditional food basket - the jefeer - symbolizing the interweaving of local dimensions and global innovation which characterizes Qatar.

Qatar is a desert country, made up of long stretches of sand and dunes, whose inhabitants have always sought creative ways to address the challenges of a lack of food and water. For its water supply, the country has invested in the desalination of sea water, while its food supply has relied almost exclusively on imports.

Theme "Seeding Sustainability Innovative Solutions for Food Security"

 At Expo Milano 2015 Qatar wants to show its commitment to safe, healthy and convenient food.

From its greenhouses to the table, from scientific laboratories to sport, the country is committed to seeding sustainability, or to achieve a healthy, safe and convenient, through solutions that are socially, economically and ecologically sustainable. Qatar is committed to building a culture of "healthy living" through the promotion of sports and scientific research for the responsible management of water and precious resources of its land.

The Qatar Pavilion showcases the latest technologies in a holistic, interactive and informative experience: it creates an oasis of innovation, invention, energy, industry and green technologies.

Switzerland

 "Confooderatio Helvetica"

With its unique take on the theme of Expo Milano 2015 Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life, Switzerland, which was the first country to join the Expo Milano 2015, reflects on the scarcity of food resources in the world and shows the other side of abundance. Its pavilion is made up of four towers, full of local food products which the visitor can take away. 

But there is a limit to the resources available... to exceed that limit is to deprive other visitors of the same opportunities.

Thanks to the modularity of the structure, the platform on which the towers stand is lowered as they are emptied, allowing everyone to see for themselves their own habits of consumption. The project, which focuses on the availability and distribution of food resources in the world, invites visitors to reflect on their behavior as consumers.

Thailand

Theme "Nourishing and Delighting the World"

Thailand’s exhibition is divided into four thematic strands.

"Timely innovations, serving a dream" refers to its goal of preventing world hunger, protecting the environment and ensuring a life for every country and individual that is geared towards sustainability. In this area, presented in a large elliptical shape like a virtual cinema, there are maps and 360-degree video projections, several interactive tools and acrobatic shows.

"Sustainability, the balance of life" describes the approach taken by the King of Thailand in his ongoing efforts to support farmers across Thailand.

"Tastes, streets and Thai flavors" offers a closer look at Thai cuisine and how it clearly reveals the identity and spirit of its people. The idea is to try an authentic, unique tasting experience. Thailand is known for its street food, which brings out typical flavors and a variety of preparations, all set out in an outside exhibition that recreates the atmosphere of the Festival of the Temple’s local food fair, with a floating market to recall times past, when Bangkok was called "the Venice of the East".

"Traditions, the roots of quality", is a reminder of the key words "the abundance of the Earth, the cradle of food," and here visitors can learn about the origins of Thai food and its rice cultivation.

Turkmenistan

Theme “Water is life”

Turkmenistan is the birthplace of the ancient civilizations that left a legacy of unique cultural heritage to humanity. This region was called the “crossroads of the seven roads of the world” because it was crossed by the Great Silk Road. 

In this tradition, Turkmenistan is very rich in natural, biological and cultural resources. Actually Turkmenistan is one of the worlds fastest economically growing nations and in recent years has developed a large investment program in its infrastructure and its agriculture production. In the production of food, the future focus is on sustainability, environmental conservation and water consumption. 

The Pavilion displays traditional as well as modern symbols of Turkmenistan.

Inside the solid construction, following the example of the white capital Ashgabat, three exciting levels are waiting to be explored. There, you will find the theme of quality food production, biodiversity and health, even huge hand made carpets, a water feature with projection, a 5D cinema and a genuine traditional yurt on the rooftop. The restaurant on the ground floor and the cafe on the rooftop invite visitors to taste and feast on traditional Turkmen dishes.

Turkey

Theme: “Digging into History for future Food”

While addressing the issue of Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life, Turkey focuses its participation on its long and rich heritage. Food is life, and life in these lands started around 12.000 years ago. The Pavilion provides a setting where a mixture of cultures and technologies come together and work towards a common belief. Turkey is eager to produce innovative solutions about the basic problems on the earth such as nutrition and energy. 

American Food

The USA Pavilion is an open concept that evokes the lines of a traditional American barn. 

The American pavilion showcases American leadership in the global food arena as responsible and diverse; sustainability through science, technology, innovation and free trade. 

It aims to foster awareness of and enthusiasm for American cuisine, chefs, products and purveyors; highlight American talent, ingenuity and entrepreneurship and the United States as a premier business and travel destination; connect people and businesses in the United States, Italy, and throughout Europe, building on strong historical ties; and provide a fun, engaging, informative, and delicious experience to all. From farm to table, in local communities and globally, the United States is addressing the issues of sustainability, food security, food access, nutrition, and waste. 

Pavilion programs and events include Food Truck Nation, a series of food trucks serving iconic and innovative regional American foods and beverages; the James Beard American restaurant in central Milan, showcasing American cuisine with a rotating roster of American culinary talent; and a Student Ambassador program through which 120 American college students act as guides and docents for the pavilion and at U.S. cultural events and conferences.

The Vatican - Holy See

"Not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." From this first sentence of the Gospel, is a message that the Holy See wishes to send out during its participation at Expo Milano 2015. 

Food is a primary value for mankind, forever the subject of rituals, symbols, stories, calendars and rules, and also a tool for understanding one’s identity and building relationships with the world, the Creation, time and history.

The original canvas of the Ultima Cena (Last Supper) by Tintoretto, which had been brought here, specially for Expo Milano 2015 from the Church of San Trovaso in Venice has ben replaced since July 29  with a tapestry by Pieter Paul Rubens, depicting the Institution of the Eucharist, from the Diocesan Museum in Ancona.