Expo Zaragoza 2008 :: Thirst

'Thirst'

"Thirst"

Definition, project architecture

Situated inside the Ebro Plaza, near the Citizen Initiative Pavilion, this will simulate the outside appearance of a mirage: several mirrors situated on the façade and facing in different directions will be used to create an optical illusion of the visitors. The building will be recyclable and moveable.

Contents of the exposition

The contents of this plaza are part of the “Thirst” concept. Thirst does not have negative connotations here, but is presented as the need for water as an incentive for developing knowledge and the experience of different societies.  Here, thirst is converted into a symbol of Mankind’s capacity for progress using the experience accumulated.

Inside, the Thirst Square is divided into five linked areas. The themes in the different rooms revolve around four questions, and end up with an answer, which serves as the conclusion.

The questions will be posed in the following sequence:

• Who is thirsty?. This is the time to reflect on the fact that in general the environment and in particular the human race needs water to survive.
• We are thirsty. Thirst has led different cultures to produce all types of rituals, music, dances…
• What happens because of thirst?. Thirst, the need for water, making it move, its exchange, migrations and knowledge.

It also leads to pacts, alliances and solidarity, because if there is no agreement about water, society cannot work successfully.

• How do we deal with thirst?. Using the examples of an animal, a plant and Man, we explain thirst and the strategies they use to get water, which are common to all living beings and landscapes.

Finally, in the last room we show that “thirst is necessary and drives us to make progress”. This final part of the exposition recreates the effect of a heavenly dome, where the visitor learns how the Earth’s ecosystem is able to continually create and recycle water,

The future of the whole species depends on its responsible use. Discovering how we obtain drinking water from the sky and the subsoil we can find out more about human beings and how, thanks to thirst, we have been able to create extraordinary techniques, culture and knowledge.

The language used by the exposition combines audiovisual projections with different combinations of light and sound. The general scene also plays with the environmental conditions in the various rooms, it allows visitors to experience a variety of sensations. The ground plays a vital role in the installation, as it represents the source of a dry river. Although it is easy to travel, it will be made up of different textures, forming small dunes, cane areas or places to sit and see the audiovisual shows in some spots.

The themed “Thirst” plaza will be 36.7 metres in diameter. It is a covered area on one floor. The surface area will be 1.000 m2, with an exposition area of 820 m2.  The building will be around 10 metres high. It is designed to accommodate groups of 75 people every five minutes.