The Globe of Science & Innovation

Project Story

The tallest timber structure in the world, this sustainable globe is a beacon of enlightenment and the hub of CERN’s education and outreach programme.

The Globe serves to inspire inquiring minds with presentations and exhibitions on cutting edge scientific and technological discoveries. These events require access to light and dark on demand, a considerable challenge given the volume of natural light present in the space.

Our affinity with CERN’s core values of science and innovation made this an incredibly satisfying project to work on. Fittingly, it is a manipulation of particle physics that allows Smartglass to be tuned to precisely control the light entering a building.

We worked with our client to design a bespoke framing system and fit electronic switchable smart glass across the curved skylight and central vortex of The Globe, while preserving the original glazing. Now, at the mere flick of a switch, darkness descends rendering illuminating presentations possible. The architectural integrity of this unique and groundbreaking building is in no way compromised, while the application of this innovative technology is in keeping with the client’s raison d’être.