The geodesic dome was developed by R. Buckminster Fuller around 1949. In mathematics, "geodesic" refers to the shortest distance between two points, and the geodesic dome works on the principle of gaining maximum strength from minimal use of materials. To do this, a complex of tetrahedrons are balanced together forming the most efficient form of supporting a domed structure. The geodesic dome is the only large dome that can be set directly on the ground as a complete structure, and has no limiting size due to structural strength.

After several demonstrations, Fuller patented the dome in 1951. It was put to its first practical use in 1953 when Ford Motor Company used it to cover its headquarters rotunda in Detroit. A conventional dome would have weighed about 160 tons (145 metric tons) and was technically unfeasible. The materials on the Ford project weighed only 8.5 tons (7.7 metric tons). In addition to being...