The Biosphere
Located in Genoa · Website: www.acquariodigenova.it/biosfera/ · Museum
Wikipedia
The Biosphere of Genoa (Italian: Biosfera), also commonly known as The Glass Bubble or Renzo Piano's Bubble (Italian: La Bolla di Renzo Piano), is a distinctive spherical glass and steel structure located inside Porto Antico (Old Harbour) of Genoa, Italy.
Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the structure was constructed in 2001, initially for the G8 summit held in the city. The sphere is suspended over the sea at Ponte Spinola, positioned immediately adjacent to the Aquarium of Genoa.
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.
The structure is 20 metres (66 ft) in diameter, has a total weight of 60 tonnes, and provides an exhibition area of approximately 200 square metres (2,200 sq ft).