British Columbia
British
Columbia's exhibits consisted of three buildings and several outdoor venues.
West of the Plaza of Nations, the Challenge B.C. building was dedicated to B.C. industry. To the East, Discovery B.C. paid tribute to the spirit of innovation and high technology. Showcase B.C. was an entertainment complex. Two waterfront areas exhibited British Columbia's unique maritime heritage.
The main pavilion, built
primarily of steel and glass, was designed as a post-modern tribute to
the Crystal Palace built in London's Hyde Park for the first World's Fair
in 1851.
The
entrance to Discovery BC was accessed through a transplanted temperate
rain forest. The tall Hemlock, Fir and Spruce trees were a shady retreat
during the hot summer queues. The first exhibit inside mirrored the
forest. As the visitor entered, it was clear that the cathedral-like
glass structure made a perfect greenhouse for the indigenous plants. Native
wood carvings welcomed visitors to the natural wonders of British Columbia
exhibit. This area was not simply a visual experience but an attempt
to show visitors the mystical beauty of British Columbia and how the landscape
spawned wondrous Native legends. Next were the Trees of Discovery.
These exhibit towers took visitors (via elevated floor) on a vertical ride.
Each of the four towers showcased innovations of the past and possible
inventions of the future. The fourth "Tree of Discovery" housed a
simulated rescue operation as if the visitor was inside a submersible.
After a walk through an array of stationary exhibits and art works, the
visitor to this pavilion was then treated to a film.
On
the other side of the Plaza of Nations in Challenge B.C.'s pre show, a
seemingly typical and quiet warehouse exploded into action as electronic
wizardry and live performances combined to create a humorous tribute to
British Columbia's workers. The main show consisted of a panoramic
tripple-screen theatre portrayed the lifestyle and dreams of British Columbians
working in the Natural Resource sector.
Showcase B.C. housed several caberets.
Outside, lumberjacks from
across Canada and the U.S. showed off their skills in a highly amusing
compitition. The timber show is a traditional Canadian favourite.