Climate Shelter, 2019:
Home to Hurricane
The geodesic dome design was popularized by R. Buckminster Fuller in the 1940s. The dome was historically used for temporary structures in the military, architectural attractions throughout the world, and as a unique housing option. Domes are still popular in 2019 for use as shelter at protest sites such as Standing Rock, at festivals like Burning Man, and other similar venues.
In Fuller’s imagination, the dome would have been adopted by the public into everyday life, much like the model T-Ford, and constructed as homes to address the post-war housing crisis.
It never achieved that level of ubiquity, however, for a large population from the 1960s through to present day, the geodesic dome represented mobility in housing. The lightweight and cheap materials used to build the dome gave people the ability to move quickly and take their shelter with them. In contrast to Fuller's vision with his 1953 patent, today, Hi-tech companies have been creating expensive geodesic domes for the 1% that are rare and exclusive.
Climate change has increased the frequency of extreme weather. Looking towards the future, it is predicted that we will lose much of our existing coastline due to the rising sea level. This climate event will also change the flood flow leading to inland river flooding, as river sediment moves and flattens. Another outcome of global warming is rising temperatures. A rise in temperature will result in periods of extreme drought, that will contribute to desertification of fertile lands, creating an increased need for shade. We present,
The Climate Shelter, a modern re-interpretation summoning greater awareness of the geodesic dome and its potential applications. Domes are stable structures and can withstand tornadoes, earthquakes, and snowfall. A dome structure can be built for less than 200 dollars if one were to use a building kit for the hub and found materials for the struts and the canopy. There is a need for crisis shelters and a way for people to access them. The Climate Shelter can keep people cool, dry, and safe if their homes suffer damage or they are forced to evacuate. Buckminster Fuller was a futurist and the future is here.
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It never achieved that level of ubiquity, however, for a large population from the 1960s through to present day, the geodesic dome represented mobility in housing. The lightweight and cheap materials used to build the dome gave people the ability to move quickly and take their shelter with them. In contrast to Fuller's vision with his 1953 patent, today, Hi-tech companies have been creating expensive geodesic domes for the 1% that are rare and exclusive.
Climate change has increased the frequency of extreme weather. Looking towards the future, it is predicted that we will lose much of our existing coastline due to the rising sea level. This climate event will also change the flood flow leading to inland river flooding, as river sediment moves and flattens. Another outcome of global warming is rising temperatures. A rise in temperature will result in periods of extreme drought, that will contribute to desertification of fertile lands, creating an increased need for shade. We present,
The Climate Shelter, a modern re-interpretation summoning greater awareness of the geodesic dome and its potential applications. Domes are stable structures and can withstand tornadoes, earthquakes, and snowfall. A dome structure can be built for less than 200 dollars if one were to use a building kit for the hub and found materials for the struts and the canopy. There is a need for crisis shelters and a way for people to access them. The Climate Shelter can keep people cool, dry, and safe if their homes suffer damage or they are forced to evacuate. Buckminster Fuller was a futurist and the future is here.
