GEODESIC DOME: THE MEANING

Geodesic is everything that is inherent to Geodesics (/ge·o·dè·ti·ca/); in mathematics, and more precisely in differential geometry, the geodesic is the shortest curve that joins two points in a space; geodesics are fundamental, for example, for the study of surfaces.

Geodesic domes are therefore hemispherical tensile structures , composed of a series of beams (the geodesics - which on a sphere represent the arcs of a great circle -) which rest on a spherical base.

The geodesics that compose it by intersecting each other form triangles.

The modular structure thus created creates a honeycomb effect which, on a functional level, gives resistance to the geodesic dome , distributing local stresses uniformly across the entire structure.

Drawing a geodesic dome with pencil and paper is no easy feat, just as designing and building a geodesic dome is ; each dome must be designed from scratch, based on size, shape, and materials.

Today, designing a geodesic dome thanks to computer calculations , with Autocad (or similar programs such as Sketchup or Rhinoceros) and using dwg files, is certainly much simpler than in the past, but these structures do not lose their charm and their value, both structural and functional.

Amaranth offers its customers geodesic domes customizable, with a diameter that can vary from 5 to 50 m!

Did you know that geodesic domes are the only man-made structures that become proportionally stronger as they increase in size?

Let's discover together all the potential of geodesic domes and how to best use them...

GEODESIC DOME HOUSING

While architect Stefano Boeri proposes a colony of vertical forests on Mars , Elon Musk has long seen geodesic domes as homes of the future , even in space.

It is not our intention to propose geodesic domes in view of an upcoming colonization of the red planet (although we really like fantasy architecture ) but we limit ourselves to asking " why did they choose geodesic domes?".

The answer is much simpler than it seems:

le geodesic domes I'm very resistent;
I'm very read e easy to carry;
mountable e removable;
are comfortable e bright;
but more importantly, I am able to create a microclimate internal, that is, they can create biosphere!

The potential of thermal insulation is not only indispensable on a planet where there is no oxygen, but can also prove invaluable here on Earth.

Thanks to thermal insulation , a geodesic dome can allow for significant energy savings , and therefore several architects and designers are starting to move in this direction, even for actual house models .

In short, the geodesic dome could become a model of economical and eco-sustainable housing of the future, even more so if it were a photovoltaic geodesic dome!

In the era of global warming, overpopulation, and numerous environmental issues, geodesic domes are becoming increasingly prominent, not only in science fiction ideas about escaping to Mars, but also in the new trend of Arctic Cottages (declared one of the key words of 2019 by Wired magazine).

Indeed, it is predicted that, for tourism and beyond, we will push toward colonization of the vast desert areas between the polar ice caps; geodesic domes will inevitably play a key role in this as well.

Thermal insulation, lightness, ease of assembly and disassembly, mobility, and durability are the key features that make the geodesic dome a winning design.

A GEODESIC DOME IN THE GARDEN

Are you familiar with the Garden Igloo ? A geodesic dome in your garden will be a real game-changer for your outdoor living.

Thanks to the transparency of its PVC covering, the geodesic dome can make spending an afternoon surrounded by nature—perhaps reading a good book—cool and dry, even in the rain . It can save, or even enhance, garden parties and celebrations ; without letting bad weather affect your plans , and with a truly evocative location available, perfect for light shows.

Once the geodesic dome is installed in the garden, it does not need to be removed or moved in the winter or at any other time of the year; it can be used 365 days a year.

It can offer not only shelter (from the sun, heat, cold, rain, snow and even mosquitoes) , but it can also be a greenhouse , a children's area, a gazebo, a relaxation corner ... an alternative, pleasant and protected way of being outdoors , to be used as you prefer.

GEODESIC DOME BIOSPHERE AND GREENHOUSE

As we have said, geodesic domes can become biospheres and maintain specific environmental conditions within them, such as climate, humidity levels, etc.

For this reason they can also be used as greenhouses.

We cite here two very famous examples - that you probably already know - of the use of geodesic domes in this sense:
La Montreal's Biosphere, steel geodesic sphere stainless steel, 62 metres high and 76 metres in diameter, now a museum, which contains a series of interactive rooms illustrating the ecosystem of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.

The Eden Project in Cornwall, southwest of the United Kingdom, is home to the two largest biospheres ever built, conserving more than 100.000 plants from around the world. The two Geodesic Dome Biospheres recreate two biomes: the Mediterranean and the Tropical.

AN EXHIBITION IN A GEODESIC DOME

Geodesic domes can not only be used for temporary exhibitions and displays, but an exhibition about them has even been held at the UQAM Centre de Design in Montreal.

The captivating and engaging shape with curvilinear forms makes geodesic domes particularly suitable for exhibitions and displays, both permanent and temporary.

Why set up an exhibition in a geodesic dome?

Could be transparent and thus attract the interest of the passerby;
It allows save on heating and lighting costs;
is a alternative location;
it can be installed wherever;
is very suggestive, even at night.

One more very important detail on the cupole geodetiche di Amarantoidea is that multiple structures communicating with each other can be installed, connected by "tunnel", or corridors, which allow passage from one to the other without depressurization and therefore without canceling or deteriorating the effects of thermal insulation.

GEODESIC DOMES FOR EVENTS, PARTIES, AND PROMOTIONAL STANDS

As we have just said, the possibility of connect multiple geodesic domes between them makes these structures also very functional for the organization of events outdoor, parties, fairs and also for promotional stands. Thanks also to the possibilities of Customization offerte da Amarantoidea su colori, loghi e dimensioni, le cupole geodetiche sono un ottimo modo di attirare l’attenzione su di sé.

GEODESIC STEEL DOMES

Amarantoidea realizza geodesic domes with steel tubes, which can have a diameter between 26x1,5 mm and 60x3mm, and a PVC tarpaulin white, transparent, opaque or customizable even by combining them together.

For example, it will be possible to obtain:

a geodesic dome with a “darkening” effect, using an opaque PVC cover (white or, upon request, also available in other colours) for a more discreet living area;
completely transparent geodesic dome, using the special canvas, ideal for evening events, exhibitions and light shows;
a geodesic dome with a combined effect, using an opaque covering on the surface and a transparent one on the front, for a highly versatile solution;
open geodesic dome, which combines a and cleaner open space with an architectural structure that generates spatiality and plays of light and shadow, helping to delimit spaces;
or a fully customizable geodesic dome based on your needs (size, logos, colors, transparency, etc.) and also ideal for stands and advertising promotions.

GEODESIC DOME: MEASUREMENTS

Geodesic domes cover a surface area ranging from 45 m2 to 3220 m2 in total, with a maximum height of 20 m. Stability and durability are guaranteed even in snow (snow load up to 75 kg per m2) and strong winds (up to 120 km/h).

Le cupole geodetiche di Amarantoidea They are resistant to tearing, fire and UV rays, without heat dispersion.

GEODESIC DOME: RENTAL

As with our tent structures , the geodesic dome tensile structure can be purchased or rented on a long or short-term basis.

Transport and assembly are always included in the price.