The geodesic dome always attracts attention. It differs from most shelters with more classic shapes because it combines design, elegance, and functionality.
There are a wide variety of domes to choose from, but those in the shape of a geodesic dome offer several advantages over those with other styles. Geodesic structures are created by connecting triangles together to form a dome shape. Precise angles and exact measurements must be used.
When we look at it, we are often fascinated by its unconventional shape, harmony, exceptional geometry, and beauty.
What is the Geodesic Dome?
In architecture, a geodesic dome is a spherical, or partially spherical, lattice structure whose bars follow the great (geodesic) circles of the sphere. The intersection of the geodesic bars forms triangular elements that each have their rigidity, causing the distribution of forces and tensions on the whole structure (tensegrity), which is therefore self-supporting, leaving the interior entirely available (no pillars).
The construction of geodesic domes was particularly developed by the American architect Richard Buckminster Fuller. One of his most remarkable geodesic domes is a transparent geodesic dome 80 m in diameter that was built on Montreal's Île Sainte-Hélène in 1967 to be the U.S. pavilion at the Montreal World's Fair and which today houses the Biosphere.
The mathematical form of the structure of a geodesic dome is a geode. Typically, its generating polyhedron is an icosahedron inscribed in a hypothetical sphere, oriented so that one of its 12
vertices (or the center of one of its 20 faces) is at the highest point of the building. This is not only aesthetically interesting but also practical during the construction phase of the structure (a central vertical mast allowing the structure to be lifted as new elements are added). Each face of the icosahedron is paved with smaller triangles
Practical uses of the geodesic dome in architecture.
If we list its most common uses, it appears that the geodesic dome is used for quite varied purposes and sometimes because of its breathtaking effect.
Among these practical uses are geodesic house (also called bubble house or dome house), geodesic domes, geodesic tent (also called dome tent), outdoor hotel rooms, winter gardens, aviaries, photo studios, pergolas, garden sheds, bungalows, outdoor classrooms, cafeterias, yoga rooms, children's playrooms, pop-up stores...
If we go back to the origins, the first geodesic dome was created in 1922 in Iena, Germany, it was a surface for a Zeiss planetarium projector.
Later, the American architect R. Buckminster Fuller developed the idea and patented the structure. Since then, geodesic domes have enjoyed growing popularity and are now a real trend.
The main advantages of a geodesic dome
1. The Power of Triangles
The main advantage of the structure of a geodesic dome is its strength. Domes are much stronger than rectangular buildings and are known to withstand hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. No internal support is required since the triangles distribute the weight evenly throughout the structure.
Triangles are the strongest shape available. You will see that you can easily bend and twist a rectangle but you will not be able to move a triangle.
Imagine these shapes during an earthquake. As the ground moves, the rectangular houses will bend and warp, while the triangles in the dome will remain stable.
Geodesic domes are also resistant to the strongest winds. Because their structures do not provide large enough surfaces against which the wind can push, air passes around and over the dome. One might have expected such buildings to be heavy and strong, but domes are surprisingly light and can even be mobile. You can move a dome around your garden at will if you don't decide to put it on a permanent foundation.
If you live in an area with a lot of snow in the winter, a geodesic dome will make your life easier. While snow accumulates on the roof of the rectangular dome, it simply slides along the domes.
2. Geodetic domes are energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Less heat loss
Another advantage of geodesic domes is energy efficiency. The heat loss of construction is directly proportional to the surface area of that construction. The shape of the geodesic dome has 30% to 40% less surface area at ground level than a rectangular shape. Dome domes thus circulate air more efficiently than rectangular structures.
3. Fewer building materials needed
Thirty to forty percent less surface area also means 30% to 40% less material used in construction. Geodetic domes are relatively inexpensive to build, depending on the model you choose.
4. Multiple angles that catch the light
The major disadvantage of traditional tiny houses is that their location is crucial to maximizing heat and light transfer. This is not a problem with dome geodetic: they have enough angles on their surfaces so that there are always panels with a perfect angle with the sun to retain heat and light optimally.
5. Portability
Traditional tiny houses are incredibly heavy even when built with the lightest materials available. It depends on the number of parts involved in the frames themselves.
Even the heaviest of the geodesic domes are movable and rarely require permanent foundations, so you can take your geodetic dome anywhere. You may be embarking on a new dome geodetic project without a building permit since many municipalities consider it to be a temporary structure, regardless of your intentions.
Since the dome is considered a type of Sacred Geometry, many mystical characteristics are attributed to it.
Other advantages
It is said that anyone inside a dome-shaped structure will be better connected to the universe and cosmic energy, and will feel like they are in the womb.
It is also believed that a dome would help the two hemispheres of the brain to better connect and harmonize by creating a special state of relaxation for the brain.
All these spiritual and energetic benefits aside, there are other more tangible benefits.
LOWER INITIAL COST
A dome shape allows surrounding the maximum amount of space with the minimum amount of surface area, thus reducing material and energy costs for construction and air conditioning.
EXCELLENT VENTILATION
The dome is a spherical surface, the ventilation is excellent. The air flows continuously from the bottom to the top and center, reducing the proliferation of humidity, fungi, or bacteria.
IMPECCABLE ACOUSTICS
The acoustics inside the dome are phenomenal and particularly appreciated by the musicians.
AN INFINITE SPACE
A feeling of infinite space, with no pillars or columns.
A GREAT ROBUSTNESS
Great resistance to storms, earthquakes, snow, and the violent winds of hurricanes and even tornadoes. This is the reason why many domes have been built in Antarctica.
Conclusion
In light of the tangible effects of global warming, governments are passing increasingly strict laws to impose the lowest possible environmental footprint in all areas. Domes are the solution.
Building engineers go to great lengths to ensure that dome designs leave no room for environmental mistakes.
Domes follow the principles of eco-responsible design and are based on the notion of protecting the earth's finite resources.
The goal is to optimize their use without disrupting the natural processes of the planet. The domes are energy efficient, made of recyclable materials and some do not require the use of foundations - all to preserve the natural balance.
They harmoniously connect architecture, ecology, and the environment, forming a perfect example of sustainable design that benefits humanity.
