Appropriately, the theme of Expo 2010 is "Better
City, Better Life," representing the common wish of the whole humankind
for a better living in future urban environments. This theme represents a
central concern of the international community for future policy
making, urban strategies and sustainable development. In 1800, 2% of the
global population lived in cities. In 1950, the figure raised to 29%,
in 2000, almost half the world population moved into cities, and by
2010, as estimated by the United Nations, the urban population will
account for 55% of the total human population.
The quest for a better life has run through the urban history of
mankind. Through different sub-themes, Expo 2010 will create blueprints
for future cities and harmonious urban life styles, providing an
extraordinary educational and entertaining platform for visitors of all
nations:
*Blending of diverse cultures in the
city
*Economic
prosperity in the city
*Innovations
of science and technology in the city
*Remodelling of communities in the city
*Interactions between urban
and rural areas
Opening week staged a series of cultural events including a
performance parade and displays of intangible heritage including fireworks displays, Tea Culture Show, Acrobatic Show and a Brand New Show.
The emblem, depicting the image of three people-you, me, him/her holding hands together, symbolizes the big family of mankind. Inspired by the shape of the Chinese character"世"(meaning the world), the design conveys the organizers' wish to host an Expo which is of global scale and which showcases the diversified urban cultures of the world.
The Mascot "Haibao" is created from the Chinese character " 人," which means people, the mascot embodies the character of Chinese culture and echoes with the designing concept of the emblem of World Expo Shanghai. Using the Chinese character as the mascot of an international event is an innovation.
Stay tuned for future post on the incredible architecture of the Pavilions.
