The Real Geo

(Flickr source.)

A reader known as "Pat@[email protected]" recently wrote in with some good info on an old WU topic:

" I have been a fan of Buckminster Fuller's writings for many years and just recently found out that he actually didn't invent the geodesic dome. It was invented by Walther Bauersfeld, a German engineer, some 30 years earlier for use as the first projection planetarium. Fuller did, however, apply for and was granted the U.S. patents. He took it's design and construction further and is credited with popularizing it. We have one in Fairbanks built in 1966 at a site originally called "Alaskaland" which was built to commemorate the centenial of the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. It's called the Gold Dome and now houses an aviation museum. Also, there were many "golf balls" in the state during the Cold War which were used for radar."

Who We Are
Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over forty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. Contact Us

Posted By: Paul - Tue Oct 29, 2013
Category: Architecture | Inventions | 1920s

Comments

That looks like a fun house to be in. Not sure if I'd want to replace the roofing / siding though.

You just know that if you tried to erect something like that today you'd be arguing with the neighbors about it for ten years before it could be built.

Posted by KDP on 10/29/13 at 05:13 PM

I remember the American pavilion at Expo 67 in Montreal -- Bucky Fuller's geodesic dome. The US and the USSR had their pavilions close to each other. I was skeptical of both superpowers, but had to admit, the US pavilion was fun, and the Soviet one wasn't. After a while, the joy of looking at tractors and models of power plants starts to wane.

Posted by Harvey on 10/29/13 at 07:17 PM

I Love Buckminster! There I said it! Not only that but I have nursed a
now 40+ year unrequited Bromance! Don't believe me, Just say the word Paul and I'll scan in and post the pictures of the geodesic clubhouse that I designed and built with the help of two friends at the age of 11! :coolsmile:

Posted by Tyrusguy on 10/29/13 at 07:35 PM

Can't make a kid stand in the corner in there.

Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 10/29/13 at 08:43 PM

Tyrusguy--I think the world demands to see those fotos!

Posted by Paul on 10/29/13 at 09:09 PM

Commenting is not available in this channel entry.