The National Ecological Institute of South Korea recently released plans for a large-scale nature reserve complete with an incredible series of eco domes, an education center, and an environmental think-tank. Designed by SAMOO, the Ecorium Project will be a striking environmental center comprising thousands of acres of open space in addition to greenhouses and a visitor center. Much like the Eden Project in the UK, the Ecorium Project will serve to educate people about nature, and provide a space for study of the world’s eco-systems and how best to protect them.
The Ecorium Project comprises a 33,000 sq meter nature reserve including a large wild plant area and a wetland reserve. In the center of the park is a large system of interlinking wedge-shaped greenhouses. These greenhouses will feature advanced systems capable of adjusting the internal conditions based on the outside climatic conditions in order to minimize energy usage indoors. The exterior of each greenhouse is built out of metal panels, low-iron and low-e double glazing, as well as wood and plexiglass. Seen from above the greenhouses will appear as a sinuous river.
The purpose of the National Ecological Institute is to study nature’s converging eco-systems while ensuring the safety, stability and the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. A spokesperson for the NEI says, “The NEI will play a important role as a think tank for research and policy making. Additionally, this institution will foster and nurture the general public’s awareness, educate and [promote] the importance of the environment through exhibitions and education programs.”
+ SAMOO
Via World Architecture News
Sounds like a great project. I’m wondering if they will use eco-friendly energy and utilities… South Korea is a beautiful place, would love to see the NEI on my next visit.
This will be a great project so that we can study our aficts on the earth, so that we can change our ways to help stop the changing of our enviornment. it will be a great place to go when it is finished.
I am a student at Iowa State University and I love the idea of this project. I chose to write something for my class about this web site because I care for the environment and I have been working on making a sustainable living for myself. I love to see more major developments in Eco friendly designs in the future.
THE IDEA SEEMS GREAT, BUT I THINK THE DESIGN COULD BE MUCH MORE EFFICIENT AND LOGIC IN ORDER TO WASTE A LOT LESS ENERGY DURING THE BUILDING PROCESS.
It’s breath taking! I’d love to see it completed. But how are they going to clean all those windows? Especially on the inside?
It does look very beautiful but not at all sustainable. I have to ask however, “is it really green?” If this is being built on an already highly degraded site than yes it’s green. Looks like they’re going to have to bulldoze some of the nature they’re trying to preserve to make it. Unless it’s made from all recycled materials they’re going to need A LOT of natural resources to make those domes that have to be mined out of the earth and shipped from somewhere. If the climate within the domes is (most likely) warmer than the natural climate outside, the plant communities in the domes will be exotic and not native to S.K. This doesn’t look like a “nature preserve” it looks like mars in 2090. You don’t have to build something on-top of nature to preserve it. Seems very naive.
I totally agree with jskeptic. Maybe we just need a more thorough explanation of how this was developed. Please do so for us.
The idea and concept of the plant is great. However, sustainable of the nature surround must be considered. The 33,000 square meters area looks like have to cut many trees or forest to make access to the location and during the plant built. It must explain on detail, what facilities will be built and how far it’s benefit to the community and environment. Also, what is negative effect to the nature, if this project launched.
As we all recognize that vegetation is the most important thing in all creatures in the earth including human. They supply oxygen (O2) to the living and absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and many pollutant matter emitted by human and industrial activities. All plants are contaminant absorber. Can we imagine, if, we loss vegetation day by day?
Therefore, this project need an extended study before realizing.
As a Westerner having lived and worked in South Korea I can say no trees were cut down to build this project. The only trees there are are high in the remote short mountains that were replanted after the Korean war destroyed everything. Everywhere is pretty much developed already. If anything they will build on top of a rice paddy area which they must be getting short of by now. Sustainability concerns are very valid.