Geodesic
Domes
What are they and how can I make one?
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Table of contents
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What are they?
Learn more about how these became a thing.
Experiment
Do this simple and fun experiment.
Examples
See different geodesic domes around the world.
Try it out!
Design your own geodesic dome!
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What are they?
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Geodesic Domes
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Meet the Geodesic Dome
A geodesic dome is a half-sphere shaped structure made of triangles.
The triangular shapes make the structure stronger and more rigid than using other geometric shapes.
This causes the dome to be able to withstand very heavy loads for their size.
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R. Buckminster Fuller experimented with this design in 1948 and 1949 and was impressed with how strong and stable it was. It also could cover a large area with a small amount of materials. He is the one who made geodesic domes popular in the United States.
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Experiment
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Of all the geometric shapes, which one is strongest?
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Make these two shapes with your materials:
Stand each one up on one of its edges and gently push down on your shape.
Which one feels more sturdy?
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Why is the triangle the strongest shape?
So as you gently push down on these two shapes, the triangle stays in one place while the square may start to wobble or even collapse into a rhombus!
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Watch this video. Notice all the triangles used in building large structures.
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Examples
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The Geodesic Dome Around the World
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An IMAX movie theater
Paris, France
Pristina, Kosovo
The National Library of Kosovo
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Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel
Monthey, Switzerland
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Montreal Biosphere Museum
Quebec, Canada
Orlando, Florida
Disney World Epcot Center
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Luxury Tent Hotel
Miyogi, Japan
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Try it out!
Now it’s your turn to make a geodesic dome of your own.
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This is a simple way to make a
geodesic dome:
Materials
This Video:
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Geodesic domes show math in the real world.
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