Project Eden
The Eden mine, 1995.
Source: edenproject.com
Project Eden
"Eden" today
Source: thetimes.com
Today, Eden is the world’s largest greenhouse, housing one of the largest collections of flora on the planet. BIM technologies helped transform the mining site into an outstanding work of modern architecture and biodesign.
Architectural design and structures
The most striking thing about Eden is its biomes: giant geodesic structures that recreate the planet's various climates and ecosystems. There are currently two main biomes open to the public in the garden:
Tropical Biome: This is a jungle with an impressive variety of tropical plants, including those from the Amazon rainforest.
Mediterranean Biome: Simulates the climate and flora of the Mediterranean region, showing how plants and crops adapt to this environment
These biomes not only impress visitors with their modern architecture, but also serve an educational function: demonstrating the interconnections of global ecosystems and showing the importance of preserving nature.
A model of sustainable development
The Eden Project is a shining example of sustainable development in architecture. The design of the building incorporated various strategies to reduce its negative impact on the environment:
Use of renewable energy sources: solar energy and biomass cover the majority of the complex's energy needs
Rainwater harvesting: Rainwater is collected and stored for use in irrigation and other purposes.
Construction using eco-friendly materials: locally produced materials with low environmental impact were used in construction
Efficient water management: drip irrigation and water recycling systems are used to optimize the irrigation process
"Eden" is far from the only project that relies on the principles of sustainable development. Today, the ESG agenda is followed by large companies from various fields around the world. In Russia, industrial giants pay special attention to this , for example, such large companies as INK and SIBUR.
Project Eden
Source: philandgarth
BIM technologies played a key role in the design and construction of the Eden project. They made it possible to saudi arabia phone number create a detailed digital model of the complex, including:
Accurate geometry of geodetic structures and biomes, which greatly helped in visualizing and analyzing the project
Detailed information about the elements (materials, construction systems and components of the complex), which was necessary for effective coordination of the actions of the various teams
Simulation of operation (natural light distribution, energy consumption and building structure behaviour), which allowed the project design to be optimised and meet sustainability criteria
Managing the construction process at all stages, which facilitated planning, logistics and solving related problems
Benefits of BIM for the Eden Project
The use of BIM technologies in creating unique oases in the English countryside has brought many benefits:
Improved collaboration: The BIM model facilitated communication between various project participants, from architects and engineers to contractors and suppliers
Reduced errors and conflicts: Using a single, consistent model has minimized the possibility of errors and conflicts occurring during design and construction
Optimization of time and money costs: BIM allowed to optimize the stages of planning and implementation of the project, reducing the time and cost of construction
Improving energy efficiency: Simulations of various operational scenarios, carried out using the BIM model, contributed to the creation of a more energy-efficient design, reducing the complex’s impact on the environment
Project Eden
Source: philandgarth
We previously reported how BIM was used in the modernization of the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. Modern technologies not only helped to preserve the identity of the complex, but also to comply with many ideas of the ESG agenda.