This construction creates open spaces below the overhanging eaves that allow for maximum exposure of the interior to both earth and sky. Unity of mankind and cosmos is essential to Chinese philosophy, and is at the heart of the culture's traditional architectural concepts. At the metaphoric level the design signals China's willingness to reach out to the world, and at a practical level, it helps divert the flow of visitors.

Inspired Building

Red is a lucky color in Chinese culture, standing for blessings and affluence. The Chinese Pavilion is in the hue of "palace red," which was preserved for residences of the royal families in feudal China. But the building is in fact not monochromatic: it varies across four shades from top to bottom. This painterly tactic creates subtle effects that promote the progress of the viewer's gaze without compromising the integrity of the building's uniform appearance.

The outer walls are adorned with relief Chinese characters of the Zhuan style (or seal script), which is dated to the Western Zhou Dynasty (1100-771B.C.). Chinese writing, a system more than 3,000 years old, is the most important media of Chinese civilization, and at the same time, a distinctive form of art. Besides their ornamental value, these character carvings shield ventilation system features from public sight.

A trait common to classic works of all kinds is elaboration on the finest details, visible or not. With this in mind, visitors are suggested not to take anything for granted at the Chinese Pavilion. The granite stairway of 76 steps leading to the National Hall, for instance, was hand cut by more than 130 stonemasons skilled in the traditional chiseling craft called "three axes." The technique is prized for exposing the best veins in rocks and delicate surface filigree. It's estimated that it took more than 54 million chops to create this stairway.

Green Machines

The Chinese Pavilion has embraced the latest technologies in energy saving and environmental protection. The wall paint is completely free of toxins. Its glass reduces radiation and enhances heat reflection, and the material that coats it can convert sunshine into electricity for lighting. The sightseeing platform on the roof of the National Hall is also topped with a film designed to catch solar energy. The water to flush toilets and irrigate lawns is supplied with a rainwater collecting and purifying system. Turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights of the pavilion, all LED, and they will consume merely 100 KW per hour.