Rovira-Beleta, architect and wheelchair user will be in charge of Accessibility Consultancy in the Expo Zaragoza 2008.

Zaragoza, the administrative and financial capital of the Aragon region is the fifth largest Spanish city after Madrid , Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. Due to its geographical position and excellent access, it also acts as the functional capital of the Ebro Valley.

This city, founded in Roman times, has consolidated its development through its close links with its water resources and their use.

Zaragoza has already hosted three big exhibitions throughout its history: in 1868, 1885 and 1980. Expo 2008 will be the fourth, thanks to the considerable modernization plans to be carried out for its international projection, which will be held from 14th June to 14th September 2008, organised according to the recognised model of the International Exhibitions Bureau (B.I.E.).

EXPO ZARAGOZA 2008 will be an international celebration of the dynamic relationship between water and human societies, in a global, effective and supportive project, created on the basis of an enduring concept: WATER AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. The chosen theme is of vital importance not only for present time but also for future generations. Water is life, raw material; it is energy, a path linking peoples and regions, the germ of civilisation and source of culture. It is, above all, a symbol of universality.

Zaragoza 2008 will be structured around five theme pavilions and eight large eco-geographical areas comprising the 83 participating countries with two big display areas of 12,500 constructed square metres being reserved for this purpose. The exhibition's most emblematic feature will be the Water Tower, a transparent building 60 metres high designed by Enrique de Teresa Trilla to evoke a drop of water. Aside from the countries, NGO's and private companies will be taking part in Expo 2008, always with the idea of water and sustainable development. (The average price per visitor will be 18 euros, although prices will range from 30 euros for a one-day adult's ticket to 225 euros for a season ticket.)

Professor Rovira-Beleta, architect and wheelchair user, lecturer and columnist on issues concerning the accessibility of ambience, constructions, means of transport and Electronics in various universities and institutions will be in charge of Accessibility Consultancy in the Expo Zaragoza 2008.

He runs a consultancy on accessibility and has a vast experience as he was the one in charge of Accessibility and Removal of Architectural Obstacles in the Barcelona Olympic and Paralympic Games 1992 (COOB'92); Consultant of the President of the Catalan Autonomous Government on the attention and the social integration of disabled people. He is, too, Member, as an expert, of the Board for the promotion of Accessibility and Removal of Architectural Obstacles of the Catalan Autonomous Government.
His company has carried out many different Projects of Accessibility in Town Halls, Universities, Departments of the Catalan Autonomous Government, Barcelona Delegation, Banking Institutions, etc.

EXPOZARAGOZA is aiming to be accessible for all: Rovira Beleta will, for sure, provide for many details which "facilitate the application of accessibility in an inconspicuous way in all those spaces, itineraries, elements, furniture, etc, of our surroundings; thus assuring an end product truly well finished and accessible, with a normalized design and of everyday use for all."

www.rovira-beleta.com

EXPO ZARAGOZA 2008
Paseo de la Independencia , 34 - entlo.
E-50004 Zaragoza
(Spain)
T. + 34 976 204 008
F. +34 976 204 009
www.zaragozaexpo2008.es

Rebecca Arce

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