The jury of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo Macao Pavilion Concept Design Competition Tuesday announced that the design of "Lanterna do Coelhinha" is the winner of the competition, and will be the blueprints of Macao Pavilion at the Expo.

The Macao Pavilion will showcase the Special Administrative Region's (SAR) recent economic developments, social and cultural achievements through advanced multimedia technology and interactive features, according to a press statement from the Office for Preparation of Macao's Participation in the Expo.

To find out the best design for the pavilion, the Macao SAR Government previously held the Competition as a forum for architectural elites to bring forth their innovative ideas.

In addition, with the aim of realizing the concept of "Macao Pavilion built by Macao people", the winning entry will be used as the blueprints for Macao Pavilion.

The winning design of "Lanterna do Coelhinho" employs a legendary Chinese fairy tale and uses the "Oriental Crown" as a metaphor for the "South Gate" that separates the worlds of mortals and eternity in the fairy tale, said the statement, adding that " Lanterna do Coelhinho" is the celestial rabbit that greets guests in front of the "South Gate".

"Lanterna do Coelhinho" has combined the outer design of a traditional rabbit lantern in the southern part of China with modern advanced technology and environmental architectural design to highlight Macao's cultural multiplicity.

The organizer said that all winning entries will be exhibited at a documentary exhibition on World Expo and 2010 Shanghai World Expo, which will be held in Macao in October this year.

(Xinhua News Agency July 23, 2008)