The first phase of The Eden Project was the development of the Visitor's Centre, built on the apex of the 15 ha site. The centre introduces the aims and objectives of The Eden Project, not only through its multimedia educational exhibits but also through its own sustainable credentials as a building.

It is a working showcase for methods of building with low impact on the environment; utilising green roofing, gabion walling, rammed earth construction and timber cladding.

The environmentally-driven design was completed in advance of the contract delivery date, opening to the public on in May 2000. During the following year, it attracted almost one million visitors to its showcase ‘Big Build’, which afforded visitors a view of the construction of the Humid Tropics and Warm Temperate biomes from its panoramic galleries and viewing platform.