Geodesic Domes 2 3da38

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS SEMINAR- VIIITH SEM

GEODESIC DOMES

GEODESIC DOMES A geodesic dome is a sphere-like structure

composed of a complex network of triangles. The triangles create a self-bracing framework that gives structural strength while using a minimum of material. The term geodesic is from Latin, meaning earth dividing.  A geodesic line is the shortest distance between any two points on a sphere.

GEODESIC DOMES

GEODESIC DOMES

GEODESIC DOMES

GEODESIC DOMES The idea of combining triangles with the

arch was pioneered by German engineer Dr. Walther Bauersfeld He designed the world's first projection planetarium, built in Jena, in 1922. However, it was Buckminster Fuller ("Bucky") who conceived the concept of geodesic dome homes.  Fuller's first patent for a geodesic dome was issued in 1954.

GEODESIC DOMES Geodesic domes are efficient, inexpensive,

and durable.  Plastic and fibreglass domes used for sensitive radar equipment in Arctic regions and for weather stations around the world. Geodesic domes are also used for emergency shelter and mobile military housing.

GEODESIC DOMES-CASESTUDY MATRIMANDIR AUROVILLE

GEODESIC DOMES-CASESTUDY MATRIMANDIR AUROVILLE The Matrimandir took 37 years to build, from the

laying of the foundation stone at sunrise on 21st February 1971 - the Mother’s 93rd birthday - to completion in May 2008. It is in the form of a huge sphere surrounded by twelve pedestals. The central dome is covered by golden discs and reflects sunlight, which gives the structure its characteristic radiance.  Inside this central dome is a meditation hall known as the inner chamber - this contains the largest optically-perfect glass globe in the world.

GEODESIC DOMES-CASESTUDY MATRIMANDIR AUROVILLE The four main pillars that the structure of Matrimandir, and carry

the Inner Chamber, have been set at the four main directions of the com.  These four pillars are symbolic of the four aspects of the mother as described by Sri Aurobindo, and are named after these four aspects. Maheshwari (south pillar) "...her personality of calm wideness and comprehending wisdom and tranquil benignity and inexhaustible comion and sovereign and suring majesty and all-ruling greatness". Mahakali (north pillar) "...her power of splendid strength and irresistible ion, her warrior mood, her overwhelming will, her impetuous swiftness and world-shaking force". Mahalakshmi (east pillar) "...vivid and sweet and wonderful with her deep secret of beauty and harmony and fine rhythm, her intricate and subtle opulence, her compelling attraction and captivating grace". Mahasaraswati (west pillar) "...equipped with her close and profound capacity of intimate knowledge and careful flawless work and quiet and exact perfection in all things".

GEODESIC DOMES-CASESTUDY MATRIMANDIR AUROVILLE At the very centre of Auroville one finds the

'soul of the city', the Matrimandir, situated in a large open area called 'Peace', from where the future township will radiate outwards. The atmosphere is quiet and charged, and the area beautiful, even though at present large parts of it are still under construction. As yet incomplete, the Matrimandir emerges as a large golden sphere which seems to be rising out of the earth, symbolising the birth of a new consciousness seeking to manifest. Its slow

GEODESIC DOMES-CASESTUDY MATRIMANDIR AUROVILLE While walking through the lovely green Matrimandir

Gardens with their great variety of flowers, shrubs and trees, one's attention is greatly drawn by this important and powerful feature at the heart of the city which was seen by the Mother as the "symbol of the Divine's answer to man's aspiration for perfection" and as "the central cohesive force" for the growth of Auroville. Evolutionary principle name 'Matrimandir' means literally 'Temple of the Mother'. According to Sri Aurobindo’s teaching, the 'Mother' concept stands for the great evolutionary, conscious and intelligent principle of Life, the Universal Mother, - which seeks to help humanity move beyond its present limitations into the next step of its evolutionary adventure, the supramental consciousness.

GEODESIC DOMES-CASESTUDY MATRIMANDIR AUROVILLE The spacious Inner Chamber in the upper

hemisphere of the structure is completely white, with white marble walls and white carpeting. In the centre a pure crystal-glass globe suffuses a ray of electronically guided sunlight which falls on it through an opening at the apex of the sphere. "The most important thing is this: the play of the sun on the centre. Because that becomes the symbol, the symbol of future realisations."