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
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."