Russia's Expo-2010 pavilion could stay standing for centuries, if not in China, then in Russia, the company that built the pavilion said.
The 2010 World Expo is held in Shanghai from May 1 to October 31, 2010. More than 190 countries are participating in Expo and 49 have constructed their own pavilions.
Russia constructed a pavilion at the exhibition for the first time in 30 years. The sun-shaped pavilion comprises 12 white-and-gold towers symbolizing the 12 months of the year, and occupies an area of 6,000 square meters. It showcases Russia's recent scientific and economic development and offers a diverse cultural program.
Under the terms of the World Expo, some of the pavilions can remain in Shanghai after the event finishes.
"If it [the Russian pavilion] stays here, it will stand forever because it is a metal construction, built to last. We made it in such a way that it can be quickly taken apart. The metal pieces are held with bolts, rather than welding," Chairman of the Board of Directors at SUI Holding Azary Lapidus said.
If the pavilion does have to leave Shanghai, Lapidus said a home could be found for it at the Russian Exhibition Center in Moscow or anywhere else in Russia.
He said the pavilion was built at record speed, "within eight or, at most, nine months" but the construction is still a very complex one.
"Only that shape could have achieved this atmosphere and space," he said.
Although Lapidus did not reveal the cost of the pavilion, he did say it was built for the same price as a "typical residential building of the same size in Moscow or St. Petersburg."
Up to 70 million people are expected to visit Shanghai for the Expo, which has seen investment of up to $4 billion.
SHANGHAI, May 1 (RIA Novosti)
