What is a Geo Dome?
A geodesic dome is a structure that is spherical or sometimes partially spherical. These structures use a shell base of geodesics, which are great circles, on a sphere surface. In order to evenly distribute the stress of the structure, the geodesics form triangle elements. Now we have seen this structure before, because they are often used to create jungle gyms on playgrounds; however, a geodesic dome differs from playground structures because it is enclosed. The incredible designs can be used on any curved structure and are commonly done by using small triangle tiles and projecting those tiles to the sphere structure of the building.
History Of The Geodesic Dome
The first geodesic dome was built after WWI as a planetarium in order to hold the planetarium projector of Walther Bauersfeld, who was the chief engineer of Carl Zeiss Optical Company. The dome was patented than was opened to the public in July of 1926. It took more than 20 years for the dome to be named, after it underwent mathematical calculations and other studies, it was name by R. Buckminister Fuller, who even though he didn't invent the geodesic dome, he was granted a patent for the dome in June of 1954.
Construction Of Geodesic Domes
The construction that creates these domes can be difficult because it uses a lot of complex framing that uses strut holes that are locked into a steel pipe. What makes this structure so incredible is the weight of the structure. Considering the dome is extremely lightweight, the construction process gives this structure a high amount of strength. There are many different types of geodesic domes and all of them are made of different materials such as wood, steel, or even concrete in come cases. Each material is used to create domes of different purposes.
Geodesic Homes
Fuller thought that these geodesic domes could be the answer to the world's housing crises after the war. Fuller himself even lived inside a geodesic dome home. The idea of these domes being homes didn't take off as well as the domes had for businesses and entertainment because of the cost to build these geodesic homes. In some countries there have been reports that these dome style homes have peaked in popularity and Chile has reported to use these dome structures as hotel rooms. Though the dome home seemed like a good idea, there were some disadvantages that stood in the way.
The geodesic dome is probably one of the most interesting structures in the world of architecture. The structure is so simple looking, yet the design is so complex. The building is lightweight, but the strength behind the building is incredible. Though the idea of using these structures, as geodesic homes didn't take off as well as Fuller had hoped it would, they still have a major impact in the entertainment industry and in some cities as businesses. The fact that geodesic homes can be built out of so many different materials makes them optimal to build almost anywhere in the world to withstand weather conditions.