Dome Kits

Why domes?
Domes are easy to build, cheap and exceedingly strong. Domes are, in fact, so strong that they provide close to 100% protection from earthquakes, tsunami and storms. Concrete domes are almost 100% fireproof. The lifespan of many domes is measured in centuries, not years. Domes require minimal maintenance. Domes look cooler than anything humans have ever built...

Types
There are 3 main types of dome; geodesic, monolithic and sectional. Geodesic domes are domes made from straight members. Tokyo Hackerspace can make some geodesic dome kits for people working in affected areas.
 * Geodesic

One-piece domes, typically concrete.
 * Monolithic

Made of curved sections of metal, concrete or foam.
 * Sectional

Uses

 * Temporary shelter or base.
 * Long-term housing.
 * Greenhouse.
 * Storage.

Getting Started
We need to build a small geodesic dome model from bamboo, PVC pipe or metal pipe. We should then build a 4-meter diameter dome for the hackerspace garden, and experiment with different coverings. This would become the THS Dome, and would serve many useful purposes at events.

Construction
1 tonne press to flatten ends of metal pipe struts: http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-arbor-press-3552.html

Resources
Background on the mathematics of geodesic domes can be found here: Geodesic Math and How To Use It
 * Websites

Example of a metal pipe dome using custom-built connectors: http://www.chaos.org.uk/~markt/7m-dome.html

How to make a geodesic dome from metal pipe: http://www.desertdomes.com/tips.html

Eco-dome website: http://calearth.org/building-designs/eco-dome.html Detailed video on monolithic domes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yJfcnIFYqg
 * Videos

Video showing PVC pipe dome: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osnv4IFZW5o

Video showing assembly of metal pipe dome: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9b1usybzEo

52-foot geodesic greenhouse: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAX0A6yfb0k

Sectional dome: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHljTXBAwXU

Geodesic Domes by Borin Van Loon
 * Books (All Amazon.co.jp)

Geodesic Math and How to Use It by Hugh Kenner