The Eden Project, Cornwall

Eden Project Core

The Core, opened in September 2005, is The Eden Project's new education centre.

The design of the building is based on the rules governing plant growth - incorporating a central trunk and canopy roof. The roof itself (look up!) is formed from an intricate web of curved timber beams based on Fibonacci spirals, a pattern found in many natural forms including pine cones and snail shells.

The giant glass sphere directly ahead is the Plant Engine, created by artist Will Jackson.The Plant Engine illustrates the interrelationship between people and plants. The sphere contains a fast-growing tobacco plant warmed by the 'sun' (a 4,000-watt lamp). Oxygen created by the plant is fed via flexible pipes to bell jars containing automata (press shift to zoom in for a closer look, then press Ctrl to zoom back out) - mechanically animated puppets, which are brought to life. Sensors in the exhibit record the plant's levels of Oxygen production and Carbon Dioxide absorption.

The large metal construction reaching almost to the ceiling behind you is 'The Processor' by Penryn artist Rob Higgs. The Processor features two elements - 'The Nutcracker' and 'The Self-oiling Machine' - both designed to illustrate our over-reliance on complex technology to solve simple problems.