Step Inside The Globe @ CERN Geneva

The Globe is undeniably becoming the landmark for CERN...
At 27 metres in height and 40 metres in diameter, it’s about the size of the Sistine Chapel in Rome.  A landmark by day and by night, the Globe stands out in the wine-growing countryside not far from Geneva. Its wooden structure constituting a symbol of sustainable development, the Globe sends a clear message on science, particle physics, cutting-edge technologies and their applications in everyday life.

At the top of the dome is a glass structure which floods the entire space with light creating a bright and spacious interior.
However, this is not ideal when darkness is required to show presentations and project images within the space. This proved to be a significant design challenge where light and darkness would be required at various times throughout the day.

Following the recent installation of SPD SmartGlass by SmartGlass International, it is now possible to darken the environment within the globe at the flick of a switch, providing an ideal space where presentations can be screened in high contrast eliminating the need for window coverings whilst maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the globe.

“The Globe has rapidly become an important communication tool for CERN. Aside from purely practical considerations, we had to make sure that we didn’t change the atmosphere of the Globe or spoil its architectural beauty. The new technology (SPD SmartGlass) meets all these criteria. It’s also consistent with the message of science and innovation we want to convey. The screen now has an excellent contrast, so our goal has been achieved – in the smartest way you could imagine!”
Bernard Pellequer, CERN