 Durant
& Cheryl Imboden'sEurope for Visitors europeforvisitors.com |
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Floriade 2002
ABOVE: Designer's rendering of the Water Lily Pond at Floriade 2002 in Haarlemmemeer, Netherlands. by Durant Imboden Floriade, the World's Fair of horticultural shows, is the largest public event in the Netherlands. The exhibition, which takes place only once every 10 years, made its 21st Century debut in April, 2002.More than 3 million visitors were expected at Floriade 2002, which occupied an all-new site in Haarlemmermeer near Amsterdam. The 160-acre (65-hectare) park had more than 300 indoor and outdoor displays that showcased every aspect of Dutch horticulture, with the highlight being a "valley of flowers" with more than a million bulbs. Other noteworthy features included: Big Spotters Hill. Floriade's terraced 120-foot (40-meter) artificial hill resembled a Mayan temple and offers views of the park, lake, and countryside. For €2, you could take an automated "CyberCab" Personal Rapid Transit Vehicle to the top. (See photo on page 2.) The Roof. Many exhibitions were sheltered by a glass roof with a surface area larger than four football fields. The roof had the world's largest integrated solar-energy installation. Geniedijk. This old wall, once part of Amsterdam's defenses, ran through the middle of the park. You could also visit the nearby Cruquius steam pumping station, which was used to reclaim the Haarlemmermeer Polder from the sea in the 1800s. The Lake. You could rent a boat or eat in a lakeside restaurant with a view of more than two dozen international pavilions and exhibits. Haarlemmermeerse Woods. This forested area of the park housed Floriade's market garden and ornamental sections. Next Page > Practical Info, links - Page 2
Photos: Floriade. |
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