
With a total of 3.300 m2 glass, AGC actively contributed to the construction of the Belgian and Japanese Pavilions of the Universal Exhibition Milano 2015. High performance glass intended for solar protection, energy production, decoration, safety, hygiene and even dynamic information display.
Glass for energy management
In response to the general theme of the Universal Exhibition(1), the two Pavilions are fitted with high energy performance glass from AGC Glass Europe. Thus, two BIPV type products(2) incorporating either photovoltaic cells (SunEwat XL) or an organic film(3) come to dress the south face of the geodesic dome as well as the roof of the farm of the Belgian pavilion. These two volumes symbolize respectively an ideal urban planning organization of the future consisting of a center with its outskirts, and the traditional Belgian farm. Covering an area of 315 m2, these photovoltaic products supply the Pavilion with electricity thanks to an estimated daily energy production of 130 kWh(4).
In the range of high performance magnetron film products from AGC Glass Europe, the Stoprays ensure a pleasant temperature in the heart of the Pavilions, thanks to their solar control power. Thus, 560 m2 of Stopray Smart 51/33(5) were installed on the roof and facade of the Belgian Pavilion, while Stopray LamiSmart 24(6) was chosen for the complete cladding of the facade of the Japanese Pavilion (1.100 m2).
A wide range of decorative glasses
Decorative glass from AGC Glass Europe has also been widely used for cladding interior partitions. In the Belgian Pavilion, a space dedicated to Belgian specialties will offer visitors the opportunity to attend Belgian cooking demonstrations given by starred chefs. The hi-tech kitchen is fitted with clear Anti-BacterialTM glass walls (Planibel AB) or white lacquered (Lacobel AB) for a surface area of more than 100 m2. Thanks to this patented technology consisting of diffusing silver ions into the upper layers of the glass, the latter manages to eliminate 99,9% of the bacteria present on its surface. A must in terms of hygiene, where fresh food will be prepared every day! For the Japanese Pavilion, the choice fell on a tempered white lacquered glass (Lacobel T Crisp White) used in walls over 150 m2.
Low iron glass (Planibel Clearvision) offers an extra-clear and pure aesthetic to the majestic staircase that leads visitors to the central space of the Belgian Pavilion, under the geodesic dome flooded with light. The curved glass balustrade is perfectly transparent, offering excellent performance in light transmission and color rendering, while the laminated glass steps incorporate an opaque white PVB film.
Artlite Digital (enamelled glass by digital printing process), Planibel Clear (clear glass) and Planibel Linea Azzurra (glass with a slightly bluish tint), sure values of the decoration, came to dress the walls and balustrades of the two Pavilions (kitchen , VIP lounges), for a total of 850 m2.
Glass, information medium ...
On the Japanese Pavilion, whose theme is “Harmony in Diversity”, visitors are invited to test their five senses, through an exhibition spread over five spaces dedicated to Japanese food culture. Two products from Asahi Glass Company (parent company of the AGC group), infoverreTM and Sunlux, participate in the staging of these spaces. infoverreTM, a new product consisting of an LCD screen fixed on glass will be used in the form of media tables. A true information interface, it will broadcast images and messages contributing to the avant-garde scenography of the place. Sunlux, a glass that combines the reflective properties of a mirror and the projection of images through the glass, will allow the representation of the Japanese rural landscape.
The AGC group thus demonstrates that the choice of cutting-edge glass solutions is positioned at the heart of a sustainable and innovative approach.
(1) Expo Milano 2015 is held from May 1 to October 31, 2015 on the theme of “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”: www.expo2015.org.
(2) Building Integrated Photovoltaics: photovoltaic system integrated into the building ensuring both the function of energy production and a building block.
(3) This product, still in development, is the result of a joint production between AGC Glass Europe and Heliatek.
(4) That is the quantity necessary to cover the energy needs of 15 individual houses.
(5) With a light transmission of 51% and a solar factor of 33%, Stopray Smart 51/33 ensures high selectivity, while offering a very good thermal insulation coefficient of 1,1 W (m2K).
(6) LamiSmart 24 is a magnetron coated glass specially developed to be used in a laminated version, when double glazing is not required.
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