The Globe | Exhibitions and Events | Practical Info | Subscribe
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The Globe | Exhibitions and Events | Practical Info | Subscribe |
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The Globe of Science and Innovation
The Globe is a symbol for sustainable development: it is constructed almost entirely from wood and its circular form represents planet Earth. |
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Innovative Architecture Meets Advanced Technology in the Globe
All of the structural wood used comes from Swiss forests. In addition, the Douglas Fir used to make the external shell was recycled from the Swiss Pavilion of Expo 2000 in Hanover. In total, 2000 m3 of wood was required for the building: not a huge amount considering Swiss forests renew themselves at a rate of 700 m3 an hour! The "Palais de l'Equilibre" has been rebuilt in its original form to create the Globe of Science and Innovation at CERN. The building was designed as if it were a construction set and so can be dismantled and rebuilt at will. Firstly, the foundations are constructed from concrete piles which then support a metal chassis. The first piece of building to be put in place is the 6.5m diameter vortex, crowning 20m of temporary scaffolding. From the summit, 18 laminated timber arches are then mounted to support the wall, which take the form of two concentric shells linked by circular ramps. |
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The Globe of Science And Innovation, a Forum for Science and SocietyIn the Globe you will discover the activities of the world's largest particle physics laboratory. Find out what innovative technologies are being developed and what the practical applications of this fundamental research are. The Globe opened its doors in Autumn 2005 with its first programme of events, including "100 years after Einstein", an exhibition that explored the heritage of the genius, as part of the World Year of Physics, which was celebrated in 2005 to mark the centenary of Einstein's annus mirabilis of scientific discovery. In the future, CERN intends to build a permanent exhibition on the ground floor of the Globe, an opportunity to explore the world of CERN, from the tiniest constituents of matter to the immensity of the cosmos. The first floor will be used for temporary exhibitions, conferences and other events; a forum for exchanges between science, industry and society. Photos © CERN - Architects of the Globe : Thomas Büchi and Hervé Dessimoz, Geneva |
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| Copyright CERN 2007, DSU - Communication Group |  |
The building formerly known as "Palais de l'Equilibre" was given to CERN in 2004 by the Swiss Confederation to mark the Laboratory's 50th anniversary. Designed by Thomas Büchi (Charpente Concept) and Hervé Dessimoz (Groupe H) for the Neuchâtel site of the Swiss Expo'02, the impressive 28m high, 40m diameter sphere was built by a consortium of 11 Swiss companies who specialise in timber construction. The project was also supported by Lignum, the Swiss Timber Association.