By Huang Liying

pictures by courtesy of the Japanese Study Center of Fudan University

"I was even responsible for trivial matters such as what kind of flowers we should plant in some place of the Expo Park," Mr. Fukui Shohei told me at the sidelines of a seminar on "World Expo and the development of International Metropolis", which was hosted by the Japanese Study Center of Fudan University.
The organizers of the just concluded Expo Aichi has initiated many innovations and gained some successful experiences in issues such as the selection of the expo theme, how to mobilize more people to participate in the Expo, post-Expo use of pavilions, and the "people-oriented" and environmental protection philosophies. Our talks with Mr. Fukui, the chief designer of the Expo Aichihas deepened our understanding on the "design" of the Aichi World Expo.
Mr. Fukui told us that it was the first time for Japan to have chief designers for the World Expo, although the country has hosted five such events up to now. Nevertheless, this innovation has turned out to be quite successful. He said that, including himself, there were three chief designers for the Aichi World Expo. One of them was in charge of the infrastructure construction of the pavilions, while the other two responsible for the publicity work and software services inside the pavilions. Mr. Fukui is responsible for three things. Firstly, he is in charge of the domestic and overseas liaison and coordination work; secondly, the establishment of the expo theme, including sub-themes at each pavilion, and thirdly, the design of various symbols for the Expo Aichi. "To put it simple, I am the strategic designer on how to attract more visitors to the Expo Aichi," he added.
At first glance, the name of "chief designer" gives us a domineering air, but actually the duty of the chief designer is different from what people once envisaged. There are 15 expert designers under the guidance of the three chief designers, but they are not supposed to take orders from others. The whole team fulfils the planning work of the Expo Aichiamid an atmosphere of friendly discussion, coordination and cooperation.
Apart from the philosophy to incorporate the whole world, Mr. Fukui said that there is not much to compare between the Expo Shanghai and the Expo Aichi. In his mind, the mode of the Expo Shanghai should be much closer to the World Expos held at Paris and Lisbon.
"For Shanghai, the Huangpu River is the best 'architecture', and it could build the best pavilions simply by building up water-friendly platforms along the Huangpu River," Mr. Fukui said.
"In the coming five years, Shanghai, I think, should beef up its efforts in infrastructure construction, and the Expo 2010 Shanghai will be hugely successful."

Pictures in this story:
1. Mr. Fukui Shohei, the chief designer of Expo 2005