The pavilion was located under an elongated roof of 1600 m2. In addition, the 8.00 metre high roof was used as a projection surface. The pavilion was open on all sides so that the building could be entered from anywhere. This concept symbolised the canton's spirit of openness. Seven exhibition cubes with an edge length of 5.00 metres were inserted under the roof. Each of the boxes presented a theme, with the perception of time serving as a common thread.
Box 1: Time and territory
An animated model of the canton and its regions was shown, which functioned like a giant clockwork.
Box 2: The flavours of childhood
A café from the last century served tea, cocoa and chocolate, and there was also a chocolate fountain.
Box 3: Timekeeping
The timekeeping showcase featured Adolphe Hirsch, the Chronometric Observatory and the clock industry.
Box 4: Underground, where time stands still
Visitors were whisked away to the underground mills of Col-des-Roches and the asphalt mines of Travers.
Box 5: In the Dreamtime
The butterfly chrysalises and butterflies of the Papiliorama were displayed in a transparent box.
Box 6: In the technology era
New technologies, biosciences, biodiversity and medical technologies were exhibited here.
Box 7: The time of the seasons
Here was a reception area in the form of a wine cellar where the wines and gastronomic specialities of the region were exhibited.
Various events and historical figures such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Philippe Suchard, Louis Chevrolet, Le Corbusier, Denis de Rougement and Blaise Cendrars, brought the pavilion to life.
Location
Esplanade Léopold-Robert, Neuchâtel
Partner
Canton Neuchâtel
Architect
Axe architecture SA (Boris Evard), La Chaux-de-Fonds
Scenography
Michel Etter
Timber construction
Tschäppät SA, Cornaux
Photos: © Claude Comte
