Italia Pavilion
The three principal subjects in Italy's display have individual architectural as well as individual artistic forms.
On Ile Notre-Dame, just over the bridge of the isles from Ile Ste-Helene and a minute's walk from the Expo-Express station, the pavilion is simple but striking in form. On the rectangular sloping roof - which soars independently of the underlying structures - three symbolic sculptures summarize the whole exhibit.
The prime idea of the architects was to provide three display units which would be independent of each other, maintaining a sense of abundant contrast both inside and outside.
These units approach Expo's Man and his World theme as follows.
Poetry seeks definition of the spiritual values that underlie Italian tradition;
Costumexplores the fundamental and most characteristic traits of Italian life;
Progress introduces visitors to the forward-looking Italy of 1967.
These units are both separated and connected by a fourth section which compares what has gone before. Strong in form and rich in color, abstract and expressionistic compositions are projected on luminous surfaces.
A vantage point outside the pavilion gives a fine view of the roof-top display of sculptures. This illustrates representative aspects of Italian life.
( Document: Official Guide of l'Expo 67, Copyright 1967 by Maclean-Hunter Publishing Co. Ltd. )