Dome

General view, from the south, at the top of the canal bridge, depicting the entire structure with the Geode; The largest scientific museum in the world when built (and perhaps still) the C.S.I. utilizes a slaughterhouse complex [covering an area of 55 hectares (136 acres)] started in the 50's and interrupted before completion in the 70's. To metamorphose an industrial building meant for animals into a scientific cultural center for the public was the challenge the architects faced. The building's design was based on three themes: water, a pivotal theme linking the world and life, surrounds the main building; plant life has a place inside the Cité in three large bioclimatic greenhouses facing the park; light, "source of energy of the living world", brightens the permanent exhibition areas via two domes 17 metres in diameter. The Géode is a large geodesic dome containing a 1000 sq metre (10,764 sq ft) movie screen. In 1983 Tschumi won the international competition for the planning of the Parc de la Villette. Source: Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie [website]; http://www.cite-sciences.fr/english/ (accessed 12/28/2007)