The Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall

Designed by Nicholas Grimshaw, Structural engineering by Anthony Hunt and Associates

and the Services engineer being Arup, March 2001 saw the opening of the Eden Project. I have been wanting to visit this place for a long time. When I arrived here and saw the scenery, I was stunned.

The idea of the Eden Project is to inspire positive futures. It was built in an old clay pit to demonstrate regeneration and hope. Money raised goes towards education programmes and projects that catalyse change.

Prior to entering the two biomes, there is a link between the two which sells souvenirs, refreshments of salads and cold drinks, which is just as well since the biomes get hot!

The two geodisic dome structures are divided into two main areas: wild landscapes and cropped areas. The domes provide diverse growing conditions, and many plants are on display. Their construction consists of tubular steel with mostly hexagonal external cladding panels made from the thermoplastic ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature range. The implication of glass instead would have been too dangerous given the high visitor rate.

The Mediterranean Biome covers 1.6 acres and measures 35m high, 65m wide and 135m long. It offers Mediterranean sights, scents and stories based on their native plant life along with kitchen gardens.

The Tropical Biome, the larger of the two, covers 3.9 acres and measures 55m high, 100m wide and 200m long. It is to date the largest rainforest in captivity. I found through trekking through here steamy, warm and humid and serves as a taster for the time one day I'll head to a natural rainforest.

The core is home to exhibitions, art and school programmes in order to communicate Eden's central message about the relationship between people and plants. The building take its inspiration from plants, most noticeable in the form of the soaring timber roof, which gives the building its distinctive shape.

Nicholas Grimshaw (the architect) developed the geometry of the copper-clad roof in collaboration with a sculptor, Peter Randall-Page, and Mike Purvis of structural engineers SKM Anthony Hunts.

Recycled timber cladding adds to the modernistic feel to this 2010 addition to the Eden Project.

Their stage is the base for their seasonal events, including the Eden Sessions, which has featured Amy Winehouse, Muse, Brandon Flowers. OK Go, Blink 182, Kaiser Chiefs Jessie J and will include Motorhead this year.