Bournemouth University
A controlled climate for environmental research.
In 2013 Bournemouth University commissioned a SOLARDOME® Retreat as part of a major strategy for investment in the sciences. Known as the BioDome, it enables students to conduct high quality fieldwork on campus, a capability long sought by academics.
The BioDome is a striking addition to the main Talbot Campus, where it sits among the main buildings in a central courtyard.
At night it is illuminated by grow lights, making it stand out as a beacon of innovation and scientific excellence.
Importantly, the new facility enables students to undertake high quality environmental research by manipulating climatic conditions.
Current applications
Right now students are using the BioDome to research the physiology of the plants to learn more about their biology and ecology.
One such activity is analysing the effect of non-indigenous carnivorous plants on the local insect population.
In particular students are looking to see if there is a link between the alien plants and the decline in Dorset’s bumblebees.
What a leading academic said
Demonstrator in Biological Sciences, Dr Elizabeth Franklin, said:
“This particular (carnivorous plants) project is the latest in a long line of experiments in the BioDome.
“It provides a stable atmosphere for us to run these tests and we can bring the plants here and keep them happy all year round.
“It’s important that we’re not limited by the need to conduct experiments outside during the summer season only.”
Why they chose to work with us
Estates Technical Officer Teresa Denney said:
“My task was to produce a world class facility for the Faculty of Science & Technology.
“I wanted to make sure that we stand out as leaders in higher education, and that means conducting high quality research.
“I decided on the dome because, having seen one before, I knew it would deliver everything we needed.
“It’s modern, spacious, strong, safe, secure, and above all ideal for creating the microclimate we all wanted.”
At a glance
| Bournemouth University | The Faculty of Science & Technology Bournemouth University UK |
| The challenge | To provide a controlled climate for environmental research |
| The solution | SOLARDOME® Retreat |
| Dome specification | 4-frequency geodesic dome Diameter – 6.27m Height – 3.47m Volume – 69m3 Area of base – 30.9m2 |
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