The crowing feature of Expo'02, designed by architects H. Dessimoz and T. Büchi of Geneva, the Globe is as much a homage of the Earth as proof of the genius of man. A real showcase of the talents Swiss carpenters, it has taken timber construction to a new level. A sphere 40 m in diameter made entirely of wood, representing the Earth's future, the Globe combines science with innovation. Its structure is reminiscent of the shape of the planet, while its construction is based on the most ecological of all building materials,wood. Wood is the only renewable building material and the only one to minimise the greenhouse effect through its ability to store rather than emit carbon.

There could be no better match between shape and content. The outer shell, resembling a finely spun cocoon, is designed to protect the building from the Sun and the elements, just like the Earth's atmospheric layer. The inner ball, whose frame - like the outer shell - is made up of 18 cylindrical wooden arcs, is covered with wooden panels, creating a magnificent dome worthy of a cathedral. Thow spiral ramps for visitors wind their way up between the outer and inner shells.