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, Germany 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
Mothers 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 support the structure of Matrimandir, and carry the
Inner Chamber, have been set at the four main directions of the compass.
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 compassion
and sovereign and surpassing majesty and all-ruling greatness".
Mahakali (north pillar) "...her power of splendid strength and irresistible
passion, 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 and steady progress towards completion is
followed by many.
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 Aurobindos 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."