French Pavilion model for Shanghai World Expo unveiled in HK

HONG KONG, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The architectural model of the French National Pavilion for the World Expo 2010 Shanghai was unveiled here Tuesday.

The French pavilion, dubbed Sensual City, portrays an ideal picture of a metropolitan city and its relationship to humankind in the 21st century, said Jacques Ferrier, architect of the pavilion, at the unveiling ceremony.

"It is the forerunner which unites architecture and nature," he said.

The pavilion is in the form of a Cartesian quadrilateral contained by a thin membrane over water. At the heart of the building, a vertical French garden reflects in the glare of the water.

Covering 6,000 square meters, the pavilion is under construction in Shanghai and is expected to complete by the end of the year. France will spend 50 million euros on the pavilion.

Famed Actor Alain Delon has been named the Godfather of the French National Pavilion.

To be opened on May 1, 2010, the Shanghai World Expo is set to be the largest event of its kind in history. More than 200 countries and international organizations have agreed to participate in this world event.