the lightweight gridshell was also inspired by the "challenging soil conditions" at the site. The structure will be prefabricated and constructed rapidly, without scaffolding. As the most ambitious structure of its kind, it will be a showcase for the Mexican contractors and engineers that work on it.

The building enclosure will also perform a range of further functions, with the skin of the building providing rainwater collection, solar harvesting and shading, while directing daylight and enabling views.

In addition, the building will meet LEED Platinum standards, with the building envelope meeting high thermal and acoustic standards. The building will use displacement ventilation to maintain comfortable temperatures for most of the year with little to no additional heating or cooling required.

Lord Foster said:

“Stansted Airport’s reinvention of the conventional terminal in thesectors such as mechanical and new energy products also showed an increase in contract volume.

The Chinese home appliance industry, with recent advances in smart products and automation underpinned by cutting edge design, took the lead in attracting the most buyers. Turnover of home appliances in the first session saw a year-on-year increase of nearly 10%, with firms such as Haier, Midea, Hisense and Galanz each making sales of over USD100 million.

These figures aptly illustrate the rising core competitiveness of Chinese appliances. Hisense, for example, has now taken out over 170 patents for its innovative smart televisions.

Hisense is typical of the many Chinese companies exhibiting at Canton Fair who are now focused on developing a new competitive edge in the international arena through enhanced innovation, branding, quality, service and