Almost 300 guests took part in the Roof Topping Ceremony at the Norwegian Pavilion on 2nd of December. The ceremony combined both Norwegian and Chinese elements -- one first hoisted a Norwegian Spruce and then signed one of the beams in the pavilion.
"The Norwegian tradition of topping the roof and the Chinese tradition of signing the beams mark our completion of the main structure of the pavilion. From now, we will concentrate on the interior and the experience the audience will get when they visit the Norwegian pavilion," says Arild Blixrud, Commissioner General and Project Director of Norway at Expo.
Praise of partners
Traditionally, the Norwegian roof topping ceremony has been a way to praise the construction workers and partners for what they have done. This was also done during the ceremony last week. A rewarded worker from the construction team was given two Expo tickets as a sign of appreciation for the efforts he has put down in completing the pavilion.
Inspiration
Representatives from Norwegian industry in greater Shanghai as well as representatives from the Expo bureau and other friends of Norway were given a taste of the Norwegian Pavilion. The Norwegian Pavilion, built in glue-laminated wood, stands out in the Expo park, which is otherwise dominated by steel and concrete constructions.
"The Norwegian Pavilion consists of 15 constructed glue laminated trees. Chinese media has discovered Norway and has been writing a lot about our theme: Norway. Powered by Nature. This gives us inspiration and we are looking forward to an exciting and eventful Expo year." says Blixrud.
A taste of Norwegian cuisine
There were also two Norwegian musicians at the ceremony that enthralled the audience with traditional Norwegian music. Afterwards, the guests got a taste of Norwegian salmon provided by the Norwegian Seafood Council and prepared by Fursetgruppen. ( http://www.fursetgruppen.no)