Exclusive: The Netherlands' 'Green city' a boost for Beijing Int'l Horticulture Expo
Updated 20:24, 24-Apr-2019
CGTN
["china"]
02:33
Just five days to go from the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition 2019, the Netherlands Pavilion is all set to dazzle visitors with its designs featuring a variety of colors, fragrances and themes. 
The Dutch horticulture sector has been a global trendsetter in plants, bulbs and propagation material. Among the gardens in the pavilion are the Lavender Garden and the Hydrangea Garden, featuring the Hydrangea macrophylla "Endless Summer." 
To seek "green," instead of expense or luxury, is still a problem in the international practice of building a green city. According to Wouter Verhey, Agricultural Counselor of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, achieving a "sustainable" and efficient investment in the industry requires cities to integrate it in the planning of the area from the start, rather than later.
The illustration of the Netherlands Pavilion. /Courtesy of Niek Roozen

The illustration of the Netherlands Pavilion. /Courtesy of Niek Roozen

From the perspective of design, green city can be more than "green." Niek Roozen, the designer of the Netherlands Pavilion, told CGTN that to "plant the right tree on the right spot" is the key.
"You have to know about the qualities of the tree and where it can grow, in which kind of soil and for what kind of use." This ranges from a right environment to grow, a nice urban planning to the battle against pollution.
"For example, trees with an open structure and small leaves can bring shade in the town and protect the environment. On the other hand, when the leaves are too big, it will keep the polluted air down." Different trees can also be used to prevent different kinds of pollution.
The Central Park of Shanghai 2010 World Expo. /Courtesy of Niek Roozen via NITA Shanghai

The Central Park of Shanghai 2010 World Expo. /Courtesy of Niek Roozen via NITA Shanghai

"Designs are never the same. Everywhere I go, I'm inspired by the place," said Niek Roozen, adding that he's inspired by the way China starts its projects. 
"They has a bigger overview. They can make big decisions. That's what I learned from China. Not to think too small and to think out of the box."
A draft sketch of the Central Park of Shanghai 2010 World Expo. /Courtesy of  Niek Roozen

A draft sketch of the Central Park of Shanghai 2010 World Expo. /Courtesy of  Niek Roozen

Director:Ge Kai 
Editor:Ge Kai
Filmed by: Wu Chutian
Designer: Yin Yating
Article Written by: Ge Kai
Producer:Wen Yaru
Chief Editor:Chen Ran
Supervisor:Zhang shilei