Furukawa - Expo Osaka 1970
The 29 member companies of the Furukawa Group were inspired by the architecture of 1200 years ago for their pavilion "Dream, Ancient and Modern".
The large 86-metre high pavilion was a reproduction of a 7-storey pagoda that stood in the grounds of the Todaiji temple in Nara. This was actually an ancient Japanese dream of the original pagoda which was built in 730 AD.
The pavilion was built as a faithful reproduction. Techniques not used for centuries were used for the construction of the pavilion. But there was a big difference. The first one took more than 10 years to build while the second one was built in only one year.
The top floor was an observation platform that was accessible by two lifts. At 23.6 metres above the platform was a Sorin ring, a Buddhist symbol.
The electronics made it possible to create a unique experience.
The pavilion was divided into three areas: The Theme Space, the Electronic Experimental Theatre and the Electronic Music Gallery. The overall exhibition was called "Computopia".
In the first area visitors learned a lot about modern electronic technologies and their place in modern life.
In the theatre there were the applications of electronics in the world of tomorrow.
Individual identification by voice is particularly useful in our society. A crane could be operated by voice commands. Women could admire the latest fashions designed by computers.
In the music gallery you could find an "electronic composer" with his electronic organ. Give him a short combination of improvised sound and he would compose "real" live music and play for you while his "synchronised" friends danced for you.