Building and site description
The Eden Project is a global garden which explores the relationship between people and natural resources. The vision of British businessman Tim Smit, the Eden Project opened to the public in 2001 as one of the UK’s Landmark Millennium projects.
Students from Bodmin College tour the Eden Project with Tim Smit as part of CABE's How Places Work scheme © Chris Saville/ Apex
Set inside a 60-metre deep, 15 hectare former china clay pit, the Eden Project is instantly identified by its Biomes – two of the largest conservatories in the world. Designed by architect Nicholas Grimshaw, the iconic Biomes house around one million plants and up to 4,000 different species and varieties. The covered Biome climates are controlled automatically, with insulation provided by two layers of triple-glazed windows.
Building the Eden Project was a vast undertaking. The volume of rainfall presented a major challenge - in the first two months of construction it rained every day. A subterranean drainage system now collects all of the water that runs in to the site and this grey water meets 43 per cent of the site’s water needs.
Bodmin College students touring the Eden Project © Chris Saville/ Apex
Quirky facts
- The larger of the Biomes is 50 metres high and big enough to house the Tower of London.
- The scaffold structure created during the construction of the Eden Project holds the Guinness Book of Records accolade for being the ‘worlds largest free standing scaffold structure’.
- The Eden Project is sometimes called the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’.
Building highlights
- sustainable eco-design
- complements and makes the most of the local area
- iconic architecture and internationally renowned public art
- spectacular global garden dedicated to the appreciation and study of the human dependence on plants.
Using the Eden Project as a teaching resource
The Eden Project is a unique space promoting an understanding of the connection between the built and the natural environment. For example:
- a visit to the Eden Project can support learning about sustainability and climate change
- one of the Biomes is the biggest greenhouse in the world, supporting teaching and learning about biodiversity
- architecture and art at the Eden Project show young people how the built environment can connect with the natural environment.
Suggested activities
Key Stage 2 Geography and English
Imagine the Rainforest in 2020. In small groups write a manifesto for change, listing all the things that we would need to do in the future to protect the rainforest from climate change. Use pictures to illustrate your Manifesto.
Key Stage 2 Maths, Science and Design Technology
Look at pictures online of the Biomes at the Eden Project. The giant Biomes are geodesic spheres, which form a shell structure. Imagine your class has been asked to design a new structure to house a range of plants and birds. Using newspaper and glue, make a triangular unit that forms a three-dimensional structure.
Key Stage 3 Art and Design
Go online and look at the public art on show at the Eden Project. Design a piece of public art that can be built at the entrance of a public place such as the Eden Project. You can use any materials, such as clay or stone, and design a piece of art of any size or form.
Region
South West
Location
Eden Project
Bodelva
Cornwall PL24 2SG
Visit the Eden Project website
Accessibility
The Eden Project is open to the public from Monday to Sunday 10am – 6pm. Last entry is at 4.30pm.
Access Volunteers is a scheme to help visitors who experience mobility or sensory impairment enjoy the Eden Project. Contactbefore you visit.
Further Information
The Eden Project runs education programmes for young people. Schools can visit in half-day workshops or on independent teacher-led visits. Contact the schools team on shusband@edenproject.com for more information.
Eden Project offers the following minimum ratios of adults to children and young people:
- KS1: 1 adult to 5 children
- KS2 & 3: 1 adult to 10 children
- KS4: 1 adult to 15 children.
