Compared to some of the other pavilions on show at the massive Shanghai Expo 2010 event, the US pavilion is possibly one of the dullest.

Apart from the political controversy surrounding the pavilion, which has been dubbed  ‘The Shopping Mall’, thanks to the drab looks and all of the corporate advertising and logos indoors, the design is flat and uninspiring. Try comparing it to…..

…..the UK’s outrageous Seed Cathedral or Denmark’s curving Little Mermaid pavilion.

Sure, corporate America had to pony up $60 million just to get a US pavilion at the event but did it have to look like the offspring of a mall and a car dealership?

Even Hilary Clinton, who spear-headed the fervent fund-raising last year, seemed less than enthusiastic about it when she went to visit it for the first time last month. When asked about this supposed showcase for American architecture and ideals, she simply said: ‘It’s fine’.

Although, as you can see from the photo below, she seemed really excited with the Doublemint logo, just before being mobbed by the Expo’s mascots.

So, people, US pavilion: Good or Dud?

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