Immersive forest biome takes shape to showcase the planet’s water cycle

Tenderstream member Grimshaw is celebrating a major construction milestone at the Eden Project in Qingdao, China, with the completion of the main arch of the project’s centrepiece Storm Forest Biome. The single-space Biome structure will contain a green planted space of over 27,000 sq m, showcasing the atmospheric water cycle and demonstrating its importance to nature, culture and civilization in an immersive environment.

Taking experience from the original Eden in Cornwall, UK, Eden Project and Grimshaw partnered on the new design. The Storm Forest will give visitors the opportunity to travel up through the clouds and down over waterfalls in an adventure through bioluminescent caves and along steep mountain paths, leading to the rainforest below. The Extremes Zone will showcase environments where water is scarce, while the Quality Zone will use live performance to bring issues of water quality to life. Jolyon Brewis, partner at Grimshaw, stated: "Eden Project Qingdao continues Grimshaw’s approach of creating beautiful structures inspired by the efficiency of nature, made unique by the specific requirements of the location and theme.”

The venture is part of the Eden Project’s ambition to open new Edens on every inhabited continent. Last November, Eden announced its intention to create its first South American project in the Meta region of Colombia as part of its programme of activities at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. David Harland, Eden Project International chief executive, said: “With our Qingdao project due to open in 2023 and our new UK bases in Morecambe and Dundee set to open the following year, this is a hugely exciting period for Eden.”

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

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