The Eden Project is the largest botanical garden in the world. Located in Cornwall, UK the garden is deemed a scientific experiment for its use of highly innovative technology to create different climates for the various species of plant found inside. The project was established by Tim Smit and designed by Nicholas Grimshaw and his firm, Grimshaw Architects. The project was started in the late 1990s and opened its doors in March 2001 with the first two (of 4) phases fully finished. The project itself lays on 23,000 SQ M and the most notable structures in the property are the large geodesic domes invented by Buckminster Fuller U.S. These domes were inspired through nature and are the most effective way to contain the different microclimates. Since its opening, the project has attracted over 13 million visitors, and contributed over $1 billion to the Cornish economy.