Travel back in time to witness Notre Dame’s birth, at France Pavilion
At Expo 2020, France takes mobility to new heights — even back to medieval Paris
Time is non-linear inside the France Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. To one side, there are authentic volumes of the nearly three-centuries-old Encyclopédie, and to the other, a prototype of what could be the future of air cargo. A common ground that tethers the many tendrils of time in the France Pavilion is mobility, something that Erik Linquier, Commissioner General of the France Pavilion, is extremely happy about.
“The key issue for people is soft and convenient mobility in smart cities; they shouldn’t have to spend hours in traffic jams,” he told Gulf News in an interview. “For example, you may know that the Metro line that goes to Expo was built and is being operated now by a French company [Thales].” In the Mobility District, the country is still championing sustainability through its participation. About 2,500 square metres of sleek solar tiles by Akuo Energy on its façade and roof convert the UAE’s abundant sunshine into 70 per cent of energy for use.
There’s more in store. A handheld gadget holds the key to the past, present and the future. There is the clanking of metals and the clopping of donkeys lugging wooden planks, all set against what appears to be the scaffolding of the renowned Notre Dame Cathedral in medieval Paris. What visitors see is the construction phase of the church in the year 1180 through a small interactive device called the HistoPad.
Histovery’s augmented reality technology visualises the 850year history of the monument, down to the minute details.
“I’m sure you know of Napoleon’s coronation at the Notre Dame — it’s a very famous painting. However, not many people know what was on the other side,” said Bruno de Sa Moreira, the CEO of Histovery.
I’m sure you know of Napoleon’s coronation at the Notre Dame... However, not many people know what was on the other side.”
Bruno de Sa Moreira | CEO of Histovery