Floriade Expo imagines green future of cities

Since 1960, the International Horticultural Exhibition, called the Floriade Expo, has been held every 10 years in various cities around the Netherlands. This year marks the seventh edition, and the town of Almere will host the more than 2 million people who are expected to attend. After the exhibition, the 60 hectare-site will be transformed into a green, car-free district.

Under the motto "Growing Green Cities," the exhibition presents various projects which are intended to show how cities can become more sustainable, livable and fun. The motto was prompted by increasing urbanization around the globe. At present, more than half of the world's population lives in urban areas.

Different countries are presenting their concepts for developing green cities in pavilions, showing how their cultures can be combined with innovations in sustainability. The German "Biotopia," for example, uses modern horticulture methods to connect a city that is constantly in flux. In the Indian garden, the focus is on connecting with nature in a spiritual way.

Trees float on buoys in the middle of the water near Utopia Island — the art installation is intended to draw attention to climate change, among other things. The best views are from above, so hop into the cable car that goes from one end of the park to the other. Transportation via cable car is also one of the Floriade's proposals for a sustainable way to get around in the future.

The Art Pavilion combines art and architecture with nature and shines a spotlight on multimedia art. The design is inspired by the sea and the pavilion's location on lake Weerwater. It's divided into three circles: the harbor, the stage and the observatory. The pavilion is also the precursor to Almere's new art museum, which will be built in the coming years.

This pavilion presents the expo's vision of the future and looks at how humankind can live in harmony with nature. Through workshops and activities, it will show that the culture of peace plays a significant role in terms of sustainability and inclusion.

Constructed primarily out of reused and natural materials, the Food Forum is a place of gathering and exchange where students, educational institutions and entrepreneurs develop ideas about urban food issues and food supply in the future. It also hosts events on topics related to shortening food supply chains and healthy eating.

The new Aeres building, called the Green Lung, and the Innovation Pavilion of the Province of Flevoland make up the new Flevo Campus of the Aeres University of Applied Sciences. During the Floriade, the new campus will act as a knowledge and innovation center dedicated to the urban food supply. It hosts 900 students.

Anyone interested in taking a leisurely stroll during the expo can head to the arboretum, which contains trees and plants that contribute to greening the city, according to organizers. Those less interested in exploring flora can check out one of the many events arranged as part of the expo's arts and culture program. Workshops, meet-and-greets and art installations are planned.