the eden project geography case study

Eden Project, England: A Marvel of Biomimicry in Architecture and Sustainable Design

Eden Project, England – Stunning examples of Biomimicry in Architecture

Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, England, the Eden Project stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of nature and architecture. This groundbreaking venture has not only redefined the landscape of botanical gardens but has also set a benchmark in sustainable design, with its innovative use of biomimicry influencing architects and designers worldwide.

Biomimicry: Nature as the Architect’s Muse

At the core of the Eden Project’s design philosophy lies the concept of biomimicry, drawing inspiration from nature’s intricate designs and processes. The iconic biome structures, resembling giant hexagonal honeycombs, mimic the efficiency and resilience found in natural ecosystems. The idea is not merely aesthetic; it extends to functionality, energy efficiency, and sustainability.

Architectural Marvel: The Biomes

The rainforest biome.

The largest of the biomes, the Rainforest Biome, encapsulates a diverse range of tropical flora. Designed by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, the biome stands at 50 meters tall, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Its hexagonal structure allows for efficient use of space while facilitating natural ventilation and light distribution.

The Mediterranean Biome

In stark contrast, the Mediterranean Biome mirrors the climate of arid regions. The angular design, also a product of Grimshaw’s vision, ensures optimal sunlight exposure for the diverse plant life within. The biome’s exterior reflects the terracotta hues of Mediterranean landscapes, creating a visually striking presence.

Bridging Nature and Architecture: Facade Design

The facade of the Eden Project is a meticulous blend of form and function. The hexagonal hexafoil pattern not only echoes nature’s geometry but also serves a crucial role in the biome’s energy efficiency. The transparent hexagonal panels allow sunlight to penetrate, fostering plant growth, while the ETFE material ensures insulation and durability.

Architectural Visionaries Behind the Project

The Eden Project was conceived by Sir Tim Smit, whose vision for a sustainable, educational space blossomed into reality. Architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw’s expertise brought the concept to life, pushing the boundaries of what a botanical garden could be. Their collaboration birthed an architectural masterpiece that transcends conventional norms.

Planning and Urban Design Integration

The planning of the Eden Project extends beyond its biomes. The entire site is a carefully curated blend of landscapes, connecting the biomes seamlessly. The outdoor gardens, educational spaces, and recreational areas are strategically placed, fostering a holistic experience for visitors. This meticulous urban design encourages exploration and education, making it an ideal destination for families, students, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Interior Design: Where Education Meets Aesthetics

Inside the biomes, the interior design reflects a commitment to education and sustainability. Walkways guide visitors through different ecosystems, providing information about the diverse plant life and the importance of biodiversity. The interior spaces are not just aesthetically pleasing but serve as classrooms without walls, promoting environmental awareness and education.

Sustainability Beyond Architecture

The Eden Project is not just a marvel of architecture; it’s a living testament to sustainable practices. The buildings are powered by renewable energy sources, and rainwater harvesting systems contribute to water conservation. The entire project serves as an educational tool, inspiring visitors to adopt sustainable practices in their lives.

Calls to Action: Nurturing Sustainable Futures

• Visit and Learn: Plan a visit to the Eden Project to witness the seamless integration of nature and architecture. Explore the biomes, attend educational sessions, and immerse yourself in the beauty of sustainable design.
• Support Sustainable Initiatives: Eden Project’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond its walls. Support similar initiatives in your community and contribute to the global movement towards a more sustainable future.
• Educate and Advocate: Share your experience and knowledge gained at the Eden Project. Advocate for sustainable practices in your community and inspire others to appreciate and protect our natural environment.

In conclusion, the Eden Project stands not just as an architectural marvel but as a beacon of hope for a sustainable future. Its innovative use of biomimicry, coupled with thoughtful planning and design, creates an immersive experience that transcends traditional notions of botanical gardens. As we stand on the cusp of a sustainable revolution, the Eden Project beckons us to embrace nature-inspired solutions for a harmonious coexistence with our planet.

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The Eden Project - Design, fabrication and assembly of the largest greenhouse of the world

• August 2001
• 70(8):513-525

• Josef gartner

• Lindner Facades GmbH, Germany
• This person is not on ResearchGate, or hasn't claimed this research yet.

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Case study on Eden Project, UK Design Solution by Sa'id Kori

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• Engaging with the local media.
• Presentations to interested parties around the county.
• Targeting key opinion-formers and decision-makers.
• Engaging with immediate neighbours.
• Exploring collaboration with educational institutions.
• Presentations to local groups
• Being available to interested parties at all times
• Local employment
• Local sourcing and business support
• Year-round opening, even though Cornwall primarily a summer tourist destination, the project has helped to extend the tourism season from February to November.
• Preference given to Cornish schools when booking schools visitEngaging local schools in international programmes such as Gardens for Life, while providing support for teachers.
• Entry deals for local people.
• Opening in the winter evenings (provision of an ice rink, theatrical lighting in the landscape, music and drama, which has attracted an extra 120,000 people a year – mainly local – in the winter months)
• Its Cornish cultural heritage, evidenced through much of Eden’s creative approaches
• By allowing visitors into the gardens during the restoration work, a sense of ownership – especially in the local community - was built, encouraging repeat visits to check on progress, and act as supporters in the local community;
• Visitors were fascinated in the stories of the people who tended the plants and the plant uses;
• The power of emotional engagement through art-led interpretation.
• It provides a beneficial microclimate for plants.
• It allows almost complete concealment of the site from the surrounding land – almost invisible until the visitor makes an entrance into the dramatic landscape on exiting the Visitor Centre.
• It demonstrates boldly that the planet’s despoilation by people can be reversed
• Injected more than £1 billion value-added (that is, excluding direct expenditures at Eden) into the local economy;
• Attracted more than 13 million visitors, 47% of whom were ‘extremely or very influenced’ by Eden to choose Cornwall as a holiday destination;
• Directly created 450 jobs;
• Hosted over 100,000 schoolchildren on organized schools visits;
• Supported 2,500 local suppliers;
• Become a symbol for the environment movement as a ‘can-do’ icon.
• High quality – Eden prides itself on the quality of its catering, its disability credentials, its interpretation and horticultural excellence and its cleanliness;
• Local sourcing of supplies (83% of catering supplies and 50% of all supplies from within the county) – worth £10 million per year to the county;
• Local sourcing of services – communications and marketing activity all supplied from within the county;
• Employment of local people wherever possible, coupled with a bespoke staff training programme, to encourage employees to strive higher within the organization;
• Access for people of all physical and learning abilities;
• Being media savvy – engaging with the broadcast and print media at all levels;
• Supply chain development – catalyzing suppliers’ abilities to grow their own markets;
• Local and regional strategic sustainable development initiatives;
• Innovation. Innovation permeates the organization’s civil engineering, construction, materials sourcing, waste management, employment policy, management structure, external relations, educational programmes, public learning and interpretation, plant health, nutrition and soils, horticultural and exhibit design and more.
• Include the ‘unusual suspects’ to develop novel approaches;
• Develop local solutions according to local circumstances;
• Find a proven and charismatic leader;
• Engage with the local community from the start;
• Trust the democratic process – don’t just pay lip service to it;
• Monitor key environmental, social and economic indicators from the start to determine the impact of the regeneration project at a later stage;
• Develop a vision that excites;
• Do not compromise on quality;
• Pursue constructive local employment and sourcing policies to maximize the beneficial footprint of the project;
• Develop a positive institutional ‘can do’ attitude;
• Base partnership approaches on building trust and intellectual trade to develop synergy;
• Make education fun and engage visitors emotionally.
• National Lottery/ Millennium Commission - £56 million
• Public sector (EU) - £25 million
• Public sector (UK) - £21 million
• Commercial loans - £19 million
• Self-finance - £12 million
• Buildings and infrastructure - £54 million
• Facilities for education, visitors and staff - £36 million
• Biomes (big greenhouses) - £21 million
• Plants and machinery - £12 million
• Land purchase - £7 million
• Computer equipment – £2 million
• Fixtures and fittings - £1 million

The Eden Project From the air, 2006 EdenProject01 © Eden Project

"Eden would not have happened without significant local community support, meaning support from the county as a whole and from the immediate neighbours." "The preview opening of Eden’s Visitor Centre, in May 2000, was key to nurturing a sense of ownership in the county, and fuelled a developing sense of anticipation nationally, particularly through the media."

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School grounds development case study: Pensans Primary

A team from the Eden Project worked with Pensans Primary School in Cornwall, to transform their culture of outdoor learning and play, while also developing their school grounds.

Embedding outdoor learning

Pensans School approached the Eden Project with a challenge. They wanted to transform their large, but underutilised outdoor space into 'the best possible place for learning and play'. This meant not only looking at the playground, but also how it was used in both lessons and playtime. 

This project was about changing hearts and minds as well as changing the playground. The Eden Project was uniquely placed to help. Our team has expertise in curriculum, play, outdoor learning, community consultation and school landscape design. We aimed to devise a program that empowered the school community to make the changes they wanted to see and continue the process of change once we had gone. 

Over the summer and autumn terms of 2011, we worked with teaching staff, lunchtime supervisors, parents and children exploring possibilities for outdoor learning and adventurous outdoor play, building confidence and capacity in the adults and consulting with everybody on what they’d like to see in their school grounds.

We used everything we’d learned to draw up a master-plan for the ongoing development of the school grounds. Since the ‘big reveal’ in October 2011, lots of things have happened.

Pensans School “ The whole project was cohesive and well managed with equal emphasis on all aspects of play and outdoor learning. It felt like it was as important to you as it was to us. ”

Outdoor learning successes

• The lunchtime-staff continue to champion creative outdoor play at lunchtimes. There are banks of wellies outside the classrooms; at playtime the children change their shoes and ‘disappear’ in the field and its wilder margins. This means more fun, more enjoyment, more socialising, more exercise – all good in themselves - and means that children are more prepared to learn during lesson times
• The school has constructed an amazing garden on a disused roof space, and built a greenhouse out of plastic bottles.  Currently all classes are involved in gardening and growing – and they are just about to start producing herbs for use in the school kitchen
• The school is currently building an amphitheatre in the middle of the school field for dramatic productions, creative learning and play.

Transforming outdoor learning in your school

Inspired by what you’ve read? Let us help you along the journey of transforming the culture of outdoor learning in your own school. We have expertise in curriculum, play, outdoor learning, community consultation and school landscape design, and we’ve experience in embedding outdoor learning into schools just like yours. See how we can help .

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Bespoke teacher training and consultancy for schools: outdoor learning.

Flexible teacher training and consultancy to help get students out of the traditional classroom setting. 

How to introduce outdoor learning in your school

Our Education Team have a lot of experience delivering outdoor activities and have produced a quick guide to get you started.

How to build your own den

If you're looking to keep the kids busy for hours, then take a look at our ideas on how to build a den.

School trips to the Eden Project

Discover more about schools trip to the Eden Project and the curriculum-linked workshops on offer.

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Eden Project (B): The first decade’s legacy

Describes the legacy of the Eden project 2000-2010.

Leadership legacy.

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The Eden Project

• Rural and urban challenges and regeneration
• Created by: Kaaatiefrost
• Created on: 15-02-18 12:46
• Eden Project
• Food served is sourced locally by farmer
• Un employment has decreased by 6%
• It brings 75000 people annually
• 400 jobs have been created in the area
• It was built on a brownfield site
• Built up traffic has caused pollution
• Traffic has greatly increased
• The value of houses have decreased due to an increase in traffic
• Most people employed are over 50 so there is less opportunity for young people
• Employment was seasonal  (July-Aug) 40% of visitors visit at this time
• Farm sizes are well below national average
• Cornwall has second lowest GDP
• 70m deep and 500m wide holes had to be drained and sculpted
• Car parks had to be created and necessary roads
• plant species had to be imported from all over the world
• More than £75 million will be needed to complete stage 2 - a third biome
• Its predicted that over the next decade it is predicted that it will contribute additional revenue to the Cornish economy amounting to £2 billion

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