Expo Milano 2015 is the Universal Exhibition that Milan, Italy, hosted from May 1 to October 31, 2015. “Over this six-month period, Milan will become a global showcase where more than 140 participating countries will show the best of their technology that offers a concrete answer to a vital need: being able to guarantee healthy, safe and sufficient food for everyone, while respecting the Planet and its equilibrium. In addition to the exhibitor nations, the Expo also involves international organizations, and expects to welcome over 20 million visitors to its 1.1 million square meters of exhibition area.

“A platform for the exchange of ideas and shared solutions on the theme of food, stimulating each country’s creativity and promoting innovation for a sustainable future, Expo 2015 will give everyone the opportunity to find out about, and taste, the world’s best dishes, while discovering the best of the agri-food and gastronomic traditions of each of the exhibitor countries…The concept and masterplan for the realization of the exhibition site was developed by an advisory group of five internationally renowned architects: Stefano Boeri, Richard Burdett, Jacques Herzog, Joan Busquets and William McDonough. The guidelines provided by the architects aim to assure a memorable Expo 2015, offering visitors a direct and immediate food experience – an Expo that, within its own space, embodies the theme of Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life, without using those systems of simulation and documentation so readily available from any computer screen today,” (Expo Milano 2015).

The Expo Milan is in full swing. Until 31 October 2015, this 1.1 million m2 area located in the Rho-Pero district in northwestern Milan forms the scenic background for thousands of events, such as debates, seminars, and culinary activities. 145 countries will showcase their areas of expertise, based on the theme: ‘Feeding the Planet. Energy for life.’

The Belarusian Pavilion, with its ‘Wheel of Life’ concept, stood out from most others due to its enormous wooden wheel structure, which rose high above a green hill. The hill featured an exuberantly flowering 1,000 m2 Sedum herb blanket Type T from Sempergreen. The expositional area was located on the left side of the pavilion and represented the richest natural, cultural, and economical potential of Belarus and involved visitors with the changes of seasons.

“The unique culture and traditions, rich natural resources as well as Belarusian hospitality – all these is what the visitors of EXPO Milano 2015 discover about Belarus. They make a wish to visit the country not for an hour on the pavilion but in reality during several days of stay,” (Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry 2015).

With its ‘Wheel of Life’ theme, Belarus showcased its contribution as a link in the global food chain. Belarus is known for its production of milk products, meat, vegetables, and potatoes for the global market. The pavilion demonstrated the efforts made by the country in its quest to reduce famine, improve water quality, preserve nature, and promote biodiversity. The wooden wheel seemed to ‘slice’ through the hill, and was symbolic for the availability of natural energy sources and the importance of preserving them.

As decoration for the steep hill, Belarus opted for the Sempergreen Sedum herb blanket Type T. This highly biodiverse vegetation blanket contains six varieties of Sedum and twenty-five different herbs. The lightweight growth substrate was provided by Urbanscape Green Solutions – the Urbanscape Ecose Technology growing board. The plants grow on a coconut fibre mat with plastic reinforcements at the top and bottom, making the blanket highly suitable for use on (very) steep surfaces. Each Sedum herb blanket is covered at least 95% when delivered. This way, the ground cover transitioning into a sloping surface immediately obtains a lush and colourful appearance.

Sempergreen vegetation blankets could also be found in other pavilions, having been supplied vegetation blankets for various other countries and corporate pavilions besides the Belarus Pavilion. You could see these vegetation blankets and visit the many exquisite pavilions at the Expo Milan until 31 October. For tickets, please visit the Expo Milano website.

The 34st edition of the world expo had ‘Feeding the Planet. Energy for Life.’ as its main theme. With this theme, the organisation provided an effective incentive for people to philosophize and discuss solutions and technologies aimed at finding an answer to one vital question: how to provide everyone with healthy, safe, and sufficient food whilst preserving our planet. The organisation expected 20 million visitors, or approximately 200,000 per day, all of whom could turn to the 145 country pavilions for information and inspiration on this theme.