Spaceship Earth

When Buckminster Fuller conceived the geodesic dome, he dreamed that it would house humanity. Constructed of a complex framework of self-bracing triangles, the geodesic dome is the strongest and most economical structure ever designed. No other form of enclosure covers so much area without internal supports. The larger it is, the stronger it becomes. Geodesic domes have proven durable in hurricanes that have flattened traditional homes. What's more, geodesic domes are so easy to assemble that an entire house can be built in a single day.

But Buckminister Fuller's efficient and economical geodesic domes never caught on the way he envisioned. First, builders needed to learn how to waterproof the structures. Geodesic domes are made up of triangles with many corners... and many seams. Eventually builders became skilled in geodesic dome construction and they were able to make the the structures resistant to leaks. There was another problem, however.

The odd shape and appearance of geodesic domes proved to be a hard-sell for homebuyers used to conventional houses. Today, geodesic domes are widely used for weather stations and airport radar shelters, but relatively few geodesic domes are built for private homes. The world's most famous geodesic dome is Spaceship Earth - a theme park attraction.

Technically, Spaceship Earth is not a geodesic dome at all. The enormous AT&T Pavilion at Epcot in Disney World, Florida is a full (although slightly uneven) circle. A true geodesic dome is hemispherical. However, there is no question that this Disney icon is "Bucky's" brainchild.

Built in 1982, Spaceship Earth encloses some 2,200,000 cubic feet of space inside a globe which is 165 feet in diameter. The outer surface is composed of 954 triangular panels made of a polyethylene core sandwiched between two anodized aluminum plates. These panels are not all the same size and shape.

Over the years, many other variations of the geodesic dome have evolved. You can see the ways designers are using dome construction by browsing geodesic dome Web sites. (See the listing to your right for a few favorite links.) Although you will rarely encounter a geodesic dome in a suburban neighborhood, it's clear that geodesic domes - affectionately called "Bucky Balls" - do have a small but passionate following.

Scattered around the world are determined idealists, building and living in the efficient structures Buckminster Fuller invented.

Would you like to live in a geodesic dome? Tell us!

Learn More About Geodesic Domes

What is a Geodesic Dome?
From our architecture glossary, illustration and definition of the geodesic dome, conceived by Buckminster Fuller.

Build A Geodesic Dome Model
Step by step instructions, with diagrams, by Trevor Blake.

Buckminster Fuller: Biography
Fast facts about the life and works of Buckminster Fuller.

Buckminster Fuller: Quotes
A compendium of quotes and excerpts from Fuller's most famous writings.

Buckminster Fuller: Inventions
An extensive collection of resources, illustrations and links, from your Guide to Inventors.