Among the four final projects competing for The People’s £50 Million Lottery Giveaway on ITV last month was a potential international icon of cutting-edge architecture, technology and sustainability.

The Edge is the proposed extension to the Eden Project in Cornwall. Built to the lowest possible carbon footprint, the building is designed to house a range of exhibits and technologies that demonstrate how humanity might meet the challenges of climate change. Outside, the innovative roof will harvest water and energy from the sun, wind and rain, while inside, a desert, oasis and water gardens will be created ‘on a scale never before attempted’, say project organisers.

Beneath the building, a series of chambers will provide spaces for artists, writers, scientists and musicians to work with communities and families and share ideas for improving their lives and environment.

The People’s £50 Million Lottery Giveaway contest lasted two years, during which projects were whittled down from an original 33, to six and then four. A public vote on December 12 was televised to determine the winner. With TV celebrities including survival expert Ray Mears, temptress of popular technology Philippa Forester and science guru Adam Hart-Davis vouching for the project, surely The Edge would win over the British public with its inspiring vision and architectural daring?

Sadly not. The funding went to a cycle path project. Ever get the feeling that construction’s not exactly top of the public agenda?

Source

Construction Manager