The Atlas Obscura Podcast A Glass Palace in the Arizona Desert
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Apr 3, 2025 Mark Nelson, a Biospherian who spent two years inside the innovative Biosphere 2, shares insights from his book "Pushing Our Limits." He discusses the ambitious vision behind the project, highlighting the excitement and skepticism it generated. The conversation dives into the psychological challenges of living in a calorie-restricted environment and the social dynamics that influenced group cohesion. Nelson reflects on how the intense experience taught lessons about interconnectedness and survival, ultimately leading to a triumphant return to the outside world.
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Pre-Biosphere Party
- Mark Nelson attended a celebratory pre-entry party for Biosphere 2 with celebrities like Woody Harrelson.
- This was his last outing before entering the two-year experiment.
Biosphere 2's Ambitions
- The Biosphere 2 project aimed to create a self-sustaining mini-world within a glass complex.
- This included various biomes like rainforest, ocean, savanna, and marsh.
Mark Nelson's Path
- Instead of becoming a doctor, Mark Nelson joined a group establishing a ranch in New Mexico.
- They later built a ship and sailed worldwide, forming the Institute of Ecotechnics.