Construction starts on Italy Pavilion

Construction began yesterday on the Italy Pavilion for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Its design was inspired by the children's game "pick-up sticks," which is known as "Shanghai" in Italy.

The rectangular pavilion will be laced with intersecting lines - representing pick-up sticks.

The 3,600-square-meter structure comprises 20 functional modules of different shapes, bounded by the "sticks." They represent Italy's 20 regions. The modules can be assembled into smaller structures. After the Expo, the building will be disassembled and reconfigured.

Construction will be finished at the end of March, officials said.

The pavilion will present Italian opera, fashion shows and food for its visitors, said Beniamino Quintieri, Italy's Expo commissioner-general.