The Globe on the Edge: New experience centre will boost understanding of climate and biodiversity

A shared vision for climate and nature brings together passionate individuals at Roskilde Fjord

The Globe on the Edge is intended to be an international knowledge and experience centre where science, art and philosophy merge to create understanding and hope in a world marked by climate challenges. The ambition is to establish a place that provides insight and inspires concrete action. The hope is that the centre will attract up to 200,000 visitors a year and open in 2030.

The Globe on the Edge is developed in a partnership between 31 different organisations - companies, knowledge institutions, public actors, each contributing knowledge, skills or resources.

The project's architecture, designed by Jan Søndergaard, draws inspiration from both the landscape of Roskilde Fjord and important historical references from the area. The architecture is inspired by the Vikings' circular buildings and the thingstead, where people gathered to understand the world and find common solutions.

"The site has inspired an amphitheatre inside the facility with room for 700 people, a symbol of the democratic dialogue that will keep the planet going. That is the fundamental idea behind the entire project. Because the tradition of open dialogue is just as crucial today when we talk about climate and biodiversity.” says Jan Søndergaard.

The site has inspired an amphitheatre inside the complex with room for 700 people, a symbol of the democratic dialogue that will keep the world going. This is the fundamental idea behind the entire project.
The building is located on a 10,000 m² site and provides approximately 7,000 m² of exhibition space. The sunken “globe” serves as the centrepiece of the experience and forms the basis for a multi-level exhibition building. The design of the project makes the exhibition very physical and sensory – visitors can literally move right to the edge of the globe and experience climate and biodiversity challenges up close. At the same time, the building creates a unifying forum for dialogue, where projections directly onto the globe become a central exhibition element.

“The round shape creates both a strong architectural image and an inclusive space.” says Jan Søndergaard. “We wanted to create a building that, like the thingstead, invites community, reflection and action, while also blending naturally into the landscape."

Its location at the Risø Gateway research park, where around 1,000 researchers work on sustainable energy technology, among other things, strengthens the centre's academic foundation. The project is being developed in close collaboration with researchers, communicators and young climate activists to ensure both scientific rigour and current relevance.

Roskilde Municipality has provided the land and is one of more than 30 partners supporting the project financially or with expertise. Mayor Tomas Breddam sees Kloden på Kanten as a new benchmark in the municipality's development, where research, education and business come together to find solutions for the future.

The association behind the project has begun raising the DKK 500 million needed to realise the vision. With the municipality's support, dialogue with foundations and potential partners is now being intensified.

Please contact the project manager for Kloden på Kanten (The Globe on the Edge), Carsten Møller, if you would like to get involved or support the project.