What makes geodesic domes different?
EFFICIENCY. A sphere is already efficient: it encloses the most volume with the least surface. Thus, any dome that is a portion of a sphere has the least surface through which to lose heat or intercept potentially damaging winds. A geodesic dome uses a pattern of self-bracing triangles in a pattern that gives maximum structural advantage, thus theoretically using the least material possible. (A “geodesic” line on a sphere is the shortest distance between any two points.) Local loads are distributed throughout the geodesic dome, utilizing the entire structure. Geodesic domes get stronger, lighter [see site for quicktime movie, 2.6mb, no sound ], and cheaper per unit of volume as their size increases–just the opposite of conventional building. Bucky [Buck Minsterfuller, the inventor of the dome architecture.] cooled critics by erecting enormous geodesic domes of many different designs. Serving atop mountains, sheltering Arctic radar installations, and even covering the South Pole, they
