Geodesic Dome – The home of the future?
As the population of the world grew intensively and started to pressure for more and more dwellings, the problem of space and cost rose and became more acute. It was only in the early 20th century that a man found the way to solve the issue.
The man was Buckminster Fuller and he proposed the idea of the geodesic dome.
But, what is a geodesic dome?
The basic rule for every home-structure is to be solid.
The geometric rules will explain to you how and why a triangle is more solid and powerful than a rectangle. However, not many of us liked geometry, so let’s look at things in a simple way.
Take these two simple shapes and apply pressure to them.
You will see that the rectangle will fold and fumble under the pressure, while the triangle is more likely to take the pressure without major damage.
The triangle is actually twice as strong as the rectangle.
Knowing this, Buckminster Fuller suggested a new architectural structure- a sphere-like structure built out of triangles.
This proposition solved two problems at once- first it offered solid structure and then, it gave the possibility to build more space with less money. This is how the idea of the geodesic dome was born.
The answer to “What is a geodesic dome?” is simple. It is an architectural structure.
Now, let’s see which its principles are.
The sphere is the geometrical shape that encloses the largest volume of interior space, with the least amount of surface. Not only does this solve the space problem, but it makes building it cost-effective, because the smaller the surface, the less material you need to use, thus less money spent.
Fuller used a little more geometrical knowledge and explained that when you double the diameter of a sphere you obtain four times as much square-footage and eight times the volume, enforcing the idea of the dome-efficiency.
That is how the geodesic dome works.
Yet, what is a geodesic dome useful for?
This structure is considered one of the most efficient and comfortable for human living because it permits air and energy to circulate naturally, to flow without any obstructions.
Because of this, heating and cooling occur naturally and they have proven to be the most efficient energy-storing shelter in all climates and temperatures in the world.
In fact, architectural institutes have concluded that the dome saves as much as 30% more energy than the regular rectangle structure.
Furthermore, the dome’s small building-surface makes it perfect for imaginative interior design. The space it provides allows you to play with furniture, light and decor as much as you wish.
The public is not readily aware of the existence or the dome benefits at the level that it should be.
It is rather sad to know that there are even architects that ask themselves “what is a geodesic dome?”
Without public awareness of this very useful structure, we will not be able to benefit from its advantages.
The dome first became known to the public in the 1950′s, when it was presented at an exposition in Italy.
As one can notice in the country’s architecture and style, it gained popularity with Italian craftsmen.
What would indeed be helpful is if it became popular among civil constructors in the western countries.
These countries are international leaders in civil constructions and if they would promote this type of dwelling more then people could benefit from the advantages.
Unfortunately, economical and strategic interests determine constructors to overlook the dome-structure and promote other types of dwellings that would bring them more profit over time.