The Biosphere of Genoa (Italian: Biosfera), also commonly known as The Glass Bubble or Renzo Piano's Bubble (Italian: La Bolla di Renzo Piano),[1] is a distinctive spherical glass and steel structure located inside Porto Antico (Old Harbour) of Genoa, Italy. Designed by architect Renzo Piano,[2] the structure was constructed in 2001, initially for the G8 summit held in the city.[1] The sphere is suspended over the sea at Ponte Spinola, positioned immediately adjacent to the Aquarium of Genoa.[3][4]
Functioning as a greenhouse, the Biosfera recreates a complex micro-climate, housing a small tropical rainforest ecosystem with over 150 species of plants and animals, including tree ferns, palms, and various birds, turtles, and fish.[1][5][6]
The structure is 20 metres (66ft) in diameter, has a total weight of 60 tonnes, and provides an exhibition area of approximately 200 square metres (2,200 sq ft).[7][8]
Description
Inside, a small portion of a tropical rainforest has been recreated, hosting over 150 species of animal and plant organisms such as birds, turtles, fish, insects, large tree ferns (Pteridophyta) from the city's nurseries reaching up to seven meters in height, and various species of tropical plants traditionally used by humans.[9][1][10][6] These plants thrive thanks to a computer-controlled climate system that maintains appropriate levels of temperature and humidity within the sphere.[11]
There are two air conditioning systems: one artificial, used in winter, consists of thermal machines located beneath the sphere that exploit the heat of seawater to power, via a heat pump, a series of radiators; the other is natural, made up of a system of movable sails that adjust according to the sun's position, varying the amount of solar radiation entering (by shading more or less).[8][1] "This system is essential for maintaining stable and optimal conditions, keeping the indoor temperature between 30°C in summer and 14°C in winter, along with a consistent humidity level of 60%.[13]
The structure, designed by the famous Genoese architect, was officially inaugurated on January 19, 2002, by then Mayor of GenoaGiuseppe Pericu and Paolo Messina, CEO of Ignazio Messina & C. - which financed the project.[14][13] However, a series of technical problems that endangered the survival of animal and plant species led to its closure in February 2003. After necessary adjustments, it was reopened on October 1, 2003.[15]
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