China on the move: China pavilion a landmark of change

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If you happen to pass by the construction site of the 2010 World Expo Complex in Shanghai, the China Pavilion will be the first building you spot among the half-finished structures. With exterior work on the Pavilion now complete, Xu Zhaoqun visits the building's designer to find out how it reflects a country with a long history making new progress.

Ni Yang would use every spare minute of his time to observe his work, like a new father appreciating his giant baby even though the infant looks different from the original design.

Ni Yang said, "There used to be a water curtain around the Pavilion. It was supposed to express the connotation of Chinese people's character. But I accepted the suggestion that an open China should be more transparent."

In fact, the disputes went far beyond connotations. Traditional operas, calligraphy and painting, and Chinese knots were all taken into consideration by designers bidding for the project.

Finally, Ni Yang won with his "Corbel Bracket," a component in traditional buildings connecting the pillar and the roof.

Ni Yang said, "Any structural shape can only represent a certain aspect of our culture, which is so pluralistic. I'd rather put diverse elements into my design. Different people can appreciate it in different ways. Some say it's like a Ding (an ancient cooking vessel). Vice president Xi Jinping said it's like a Chinese barn. I think that's okay. We used to be a big agricultural society."