The shape of Eco dome architecture comes from the classic dome’s strict circular appearance. This gives the main room its character, and from this main shape, the proposal develops two supplementary architectural experiences. The bearing construction it’s laid out like a cobweb on the outer surface of the dome’s glass facade. From the inside the glass will appear as structural glazing, just the joints are visible. On the exterior, the dome will appear more as a sculptural element. That depends partly on the horizontal circles which are used as catwalks, and partly because of the bearing façade which is placed on diagonal and creates the illusion of a cobweb or a flower.
Each of the 3 side buildings appears in their own design, depending of their function. These buildings are placed 130 degrees on the centerline from the circumference of the dome, and creates a range shape. Building 1 is the entrance. The horizontal decks create an art portal, and invite the guests into the exciting world. Building 2 is the café. It is designed with staircases (horizontal decks) so that the guest has the possibility to look above each other, in the tropical city’s universe of the dome. Building 3 is a flexible exhibition space, where special themes and features could be designed. The actual roof is designed as an exterior amphitheatre which goes down in to the landscape. All the 3 buildings utilized their roofs, where from there is a view over Store Bælt, the bridge and the landscape. At the same time there are a couple of special features, such as; the lower plateau in the café is designed so that there is a view down to the jaguar jungle and in the exhibition area the technique and other supportive functions are integrated in the lowest part of the room. The administration and other supportive programs are connected to the entrance building.
Referring to the landscape, the idea of the tropical biotope is that it starts in the basement level and grows up through the upper levels. In this process the surplus land is used to regulate the terrain. The guests will then experience that the Eco dome is elevated, which is inspired of the variety in the landscape in the surrounding area. The outside area is divided into parking area, theme zones, open space area and a closed zone which only has access from the dome. This part has a more thematic design.
In the design process onto this sketch model and those principle drawings, there have been several reflections, including how to create a experiential universe that makes the guests dream themselves away. The zigzag movement that goes through the central rock is a proposal that could satisfy these wishes, especially since the movement cross more than one level. The requirement is that the guests have the feeling of being ‘away’ and they shouldn’t be able to see the conference rooms nor the café guests. The path flow and the sightline flow are being developed so that the guest will reach an optimal experience. For topics as such sustainability, climate and the nature, the design, the interior and the exhibition room creates a unique platform for dissemination.
