Globe of Science and Innovation at CERN, Rolex Building, Swiss Project, Geneva, News, Design
Globe of Science and Innovation, Switzerland : CERN Exhibition
Globe of Science and Innovation Building : Universe of Particles Exhibition
24 Jun 2010
CERN Visitor Centre : Universe of Particles Exhibition
CERN : new visitor centre for the LHC particle accelerator ATELIER BRÜCKNER designs “Universe of Particles”
Visitors to CERN are offered a new attraction. From 1st July, the “Universe of Particles” exhibition will provide a look into the scientific work of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) not far from Geneva, Switzerland. The interactive exhibition, designed by ATELIER BRÜCKNER, transports the visitor through the micro- and macrocosm.
Universe of Particles – photos : Michael Jungblut, Berlin
In the “Globe of Science and Innovation” visitors are given an understanding of this complex scientific field. Below the 27 metre high dome of the wooden pavilion spherical kiosks and display cases combine to give a content-generated room narrative. They provide a wealth of information and opportunities for interaction, arranged according to target groups and subject-matter.
The highlight of this free-flow exhibition is a dynamic spatial experience that has been staged with multimedia allowing visitors to experience the Big Bang as a phenomenon. The exhibition space itself, covering 450 square metres, becomes an exhibit using film, sound and light choreography.
At CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire) the top physicists in the world conduct research into the very fundamentals of our existence. The research centre attracted international attention as recently as April this year, when the first particle collisions were successfully concluded in the particle accelerator, which is built about 100 metres underground circling a distance of 27 kilometres.
The exhibition places the real-time particle collision at the centre of the room narrative, around the edges of which media are grouped, shedding light on this world of science.
16 Jun 2010
Globe of Science and Innovation at CERN
Universe of Particles exhibition
Location: Geneva
Structure Design : Hervé Dessimoz of Groupe-H Architects, in Geneva, and wood engineer, Thomas Büchi of Charpente Concept.
Exhibition Design: Atelier Brückner
ROLEX SUPPORTS MAJOR NEW EXHIBITION AT CERN, LEADING CENTRE FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE REVEALED IN THE ‘GLOBE OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION’, TALLEST TIMBER DOMED STRUCTURE IN THE WORLD
Geneva, 16 June 2010: CERN, in Switzerland, the leading centre for research into fundamental physics using a particle accelerator known as the Large Hadron Collider, will inaugurate a new, permanent exhibition sponsored by Rolex, Universe of Particles, on 28 June 2010. The exhibition will be open to the public from 1 July 2010.
photos from Rolex
The exhibition is spread over a space of 450 square metres in the spectacular Globe of Science and Innovation at CERN. A sphere 40 metres in diameter made entirely of wood, the Globe is the tallest timber domed structure in the world at 27m.
The Universe of Particles will explore the fascinating universe of particles, from the infinitely tiny to the infinitely huge, from the Big Bang to the present day. Using state-of-the-art digital technology and interactives, the exhibition, open to visitors of all ages free of charge, is designed by the Award-winning German designers, Atelier Brückner.
Among their numerous projects is the permanent exhibition at the BMW Museum in Munich, IBM China’s Magic Box at Expo Shanghai 2010, and the Wall of Africa at Expo 08 Zaragoza.
CERN Director-General Rolf Heuer underlines: “It’s vital for us to reach out to society and explain our research aims and the associated spinoffs. This visitor centre, built with the generous support of Rolex, is an essential part of our outreach and education strategy.”
Bruno Meier, CEO of Rolex SA, said: “At Rolex we believe in the importance of supporting excellence in research and high-level creative endeavours. We are proud, as part of our corporate philanthropy, to play a part in supporting the extraordinary work of CERN and bringing it to a wider public both in Switzerland and around the world.”
photos from Rolex
About the Globe of Science and Innovation
Designed by Hervé Dessimoz of Groupe H Architects, in Geneva, and wood engineer, Thomas Büchi of Charpente Concept, the Globe was the centerpiece of Expo.02 in Neuchatel in 2002. With funding from the Swiss Confederation, it was reassembled at CERN to provide a new beacon for the organization.
The Globe has taken timber construction to a new level. The outer shell, resembling a finely spun cocoon, is designed to protect the building from the Sun and the elements. The inner ball, whose frame – like the outer shell – is made up of 18 cylindrical wooden arcs, covered with wooden panels, creates a magnificent cathedral-like space with two spiral ramps for visitors winding their way up between the outer and inner shells.
Five types of timber were used in the Globe’s construction: Scotch pine, Douglas pine, spruce, larch and Canadian maple, which enable the building to act as a carbon sink.
To produce a cubic metre of wood, a tree absorbs a total of one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2). It releases approximately 730 kg of oxygen (02) and stores 270 kg of carbon (C). Thus, the approximately 2500 m3 of timber taken from the Swiss forest that supplied the varieties used in the Globe absorbed 2500 tonnes of CO2 and released 1825 tonnes of oxygen (02) during the trees’ lifetime. So the timber of the Globe is now a repository for 675 tonnes of carbon.
About CERN
www.cern.ch
About Rolex Philanthropy
Driven by an unwavering pioneering spirit, Rolex is renowned for its many technical innovations that have made its watches symbols of excellence around the world. The company brand values of quality, know-how and individual achievement pervade all of its endeavours. In its philanthropic programmes, patronage and educational initiatives, Rolex aims at promoting excellence and making a significant contribution to society.
Address:
Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire
CH-1211
Genève 23
Switzerland
CERN Visitor Centre – Universe of Particles Exhibition – images / information received 240610 + 160610
Location: CERN CH-1211, Genève 23, Switzerland
EPFL – ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
OPENING OF ROLEX LEARNING CENTER
Rolex Learning Center / EPFL
SANAA
Rolex Learning Center photo © Hisao Suzuki
Designed by the Japanese architectural practice SANAA, led by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa
Rolex Learning Center Switzerland : main page with images
The Rolex Learning Center information received 160210
Swiss Architecture
Key Recent Design by SANAA:
Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2009, Kensington Gardens, west London
Design : Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA
Serpentine Gallery Pavilion
Swiss Buildings – Selection
Kunsthaus Zürich extension
David Chipperfield Architects
Swiss Art Gallery
Swiss Museum of Transport, Lucerne
Gigon/Guyer Architekten
Swiss Museum of Transport Building
Comments / photos for the Globe of Science and Innovation at CERN Swiss Architecture page welcome