Biodome
A biodome is principally a closed ecological system, normally a human-made building that contains a closed ecosystem, often under glazed or transparent canopies.
These installations may also be referred to as a biosphere's, although the word biosphere also refers to the Earth's ecological system, which these smaller spherical or dome buildings often attempt to mimic. Biomes and biospheres have also been created to mimic life on other planets as well as life on Earth, in fact the earliest example was Biosphere 2, which was initially set up to research how life might function beyond Biosphere 1 (Earth) another example is BIOS-3.
Today biodomes and biospheres can perform a number of functions, such as scientific research, education, protection and tourism, and a number of different examples can be found globally.
Further information can also be found with the Biosphere Foundation as well as via the various examples listed below:
- Biosphere Foundation https://biospherefoundation.org/current-space-biosphere-projects/
- Montreal Biodome, Canada. https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/biodome
- Aladin Biodome, Iceland. https://aldin-biodome.is/?lang=en
- Koniglicher Burgers‘ Zoo, Netherlands. https://www.burgerszoo.de/ihr-zoobesuch/fuhrungen
- Biosphere 2. USA. https://biosphere2.org
- Eden project, United Kingdom. https://www.edenproject.com
- BIOS-3, Siberia. http://www.ibp.ru/labs/mc.php (Russian)
- Biosphere J, Japan.
- Biosphäre Potsdam, Germany. https://www.biosphaere-potsdam.de
- Montreal Biosphere, Canada. https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/biosphere
- Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA), Spain. https://www.melissafoundation.org
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”