The Italian Pavilion will concentrate on exposing the national food culture and tradition in terms of very high quality products and finished goods. Italy’s presence can be seen both inside the exposition areas, along the Cardo and at Palazzo Italia, the representative building where Italian State and Government representatives will be based. Palazzo Italia will also be the location for official meetings between Italy and other participant countries. The areas reserved for European institutions, opposite Palazzo Italia and closely connected to the Cardo symbolically highlight the close relationship between Italy and the European Union.

The Italian Pavilion

Palazzo Italia represents the emblematic heart of the entire pavilion. It is destinedto be the center of technological innovation for the city after the Expo. The design, created by Studio Nemesi& Partners Srl, ProgerSpA and BMS ProgettiSrl, was inspired by the surrounding nature and architecture:

· Emotional: visually evocative itineraries, richly vibrant and radiant, leading to the Palazzo Italia as the representation of a tree or a forest;

· Sustainable: essential and light like an example of “Land Art”, Palazzo Italia is a spectacular and energy-efficientbuilding;

· Technological: the building interacts and exchanges energy with itssurroundings through new technologies.

The main central square is divided into four functional blocks: the exhibition area, the events area, the offices areaand the institutional area. Overhead is a scenic terrace which offers visitors a spectacular view across the site.

Along the Cardo

Within the site, the structure where the exhibition sites are located is akin to the typical structure of an Italianvillage. The various exhibition sites act as symbols of the varieties and differences that characterize Italy. The north represents the Italian territories and regions and the south, where Made in Italy is represented by excellent localfood and sustainable products.