The Globe of Science and Innovation

The Globe of Science and Innovation is a visitor center, designed to inform visitors about the significant research being carried out at CERN. The wooden structure, which is 27 metres (89 ft) high and 40 metres (130 ft) in diameter, is a symbol of planet earth and was originally built for Expo.02 in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. In 2004, it was moved to its current location in Meyrin in the Canton of Geneva, Switzerland.

Globe of Science and Innovation
Location within Switzerland
Established2005 (2005)
Location385 route de Meyrin – CH 1217 Meyrin
Coordinates46.233889°N 6.055833°E / 46.233889; 6.055833
ArchitectHervé Dessimoz
Thomas Büchi
WebsiteGlobe of Science and Innovation

History of the Globe

The globe started life as the Palais de l'Equilibre at Expo.02 in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. It was designed by Geneva architects, Hervé Dessimoz and Thomas Büchi, as a model of sustainable building.[1] It is 27 metres (89 ft) high and 40 metres (130 ft) in diameter, roughly the size of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.[2] The globe consists of two concentric spheres nested within one another, made up of five different types of timber: Scotch pine, Douglas pine, spruce, larch, and Canadian maple.[3] The outer shell is composed of wooden slats, and two ramps run between the two spheres, allowing visitors to see out. The inner sphere is made of 18 wooden arches, covered by wooden panels; this forms the walls of the globe's interior. This construction model enables the globe to act as a natural carbon sink.[3]

After Expo.02 was closed, the Swiss Confederation donated the Palais de l'Equilibre to CERN,[4] and it was renamed the Globe of Science and Innovation. It was moved and re-opened in 2004, in time for the 50th anniversary of CERN.[2] In 2010, the globe was renovated and its new, permanent exhibit, Universe of Particles, was opened.[3]

The globe is managed by the Foundation for the Globe of Science and Innovation.[5]

Exhibitions

Universe of Particles
Museum in the Globe

The first floor of the renovated globe is dedicated to the globe's only permanent exhibition, Universe of Particles, which was designed by the architectural firm, Atelier Brückner. It is divided into six exhibition areas:[6]

  • Mysterious worlds - this section presents some of the questions about the universe that are studied at CERN.
  • Large Hadron Collider (LHC) - this section includes a large map of CERN and the path that particles take in the accelerator.
  • Detecting particles - the heart of the exhibition, this section demonstrates how the particles are accelerated and detected.
  • Science without borders - this section demonstrates how basic research leads to modern technology. The first 'World Wide Web' server, a NeXT workstation, is shown in this area.
  • In their own words - scientists' own words about the questions that drive their research.
  • Research area - a live display of LHC collisions

Second floor

The second floor, which is reached by a third walking ramp, is a high-ceilinged multipurpose space that is used for events such as lectures, films, and press conferences.[3] The walls along the ramp describe the Big Bang.

References
  1. "Globe du CERN". Genevearchitecture.com. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  2. "The Globe of Science and Innovation" (PDF). Visits.web.cern.ch. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  3. "CERN opens dazzling new public exhibition". Symmetrymagazine.org. June 30, 2010. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  4. Nicolas Merckling (August 21, 2003). "Définitivement propriété du CERN, le Palais de l'équilibre est rebaptisé «Globe de l'innovation". Le Temps. Retrieved June 2016. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  5. Foundation for the Globe of Science and Innovation website
  6. "Universe of Particles flyer" (PDF). Https. Retrieved June 22, 2016.

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