University May Have Geodesic Dome

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30391, 16 March 1964, Page 1

University May Have Geodesic Dome

A geodesic dome, the revolutionary construction which uses less and lighter materials to cover more space than any other building ever devised, is being investigated for a huge University of Canterbury gymnasium at Ham. Its American inventor, Mr R. Buckminster Fuller, will visit Christchurch on March 24 to discuss the idea with university officials, the Students’ Association, architects and engineers. The geodesic dome depends on tension rather than compression for its strength

and this gives phenomenal strength-to-weight ratios. The pattern of interlocking tetrahedrons transmits the weight at any point throughout the structure so that the load is carried on the perimeter without internal pillars. Size of the domes is unlimited and Mr Fuller has claimed that he could put one over most of Manhattan, New York. These domes are said now to cover a greater area of earth than any other single building type. They house American pavilions at trade fairs, shelter early-warning radar systems, and are used for huge factories and housing projects. The University of Canterbury is almost ready to call tenders for the striking Students’ Union building designed by Mr Miles Warren, of Christchurch, for a site between “Okeover” (the School of Art) and the Ham School. Plans of Mr E. J. McCoy, of Dunedin, aj-e pro-

grossing well for an arresting university chapel for a site between the Ilam homestead gates and the new sports fields. Between them is proposed the finest gymnasium in New Zealand with badminton, squash, and basketball courts, physical training sections, and perhaps an indoor swimming pool, all with extensive spectator stands.

The gymnasium planning committee of council and students had been thinking of a dome to cover the lot. Then came the opportunity to consult Mr Fuller in person. He will make a “diversion” on a trip from Bombay to Tokyo, to speak to the Auckland University Architectural Students’ Association, the University of Canterbury, and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.

“This is a unique opportunity to discuss an unusual idea,” said the Vice-Chancel-lor (Dr. L. L. Pownall) yes-

terday. “Gymnasium planning is at a very early stage, but the dome idea has fired the imagination. Such a design has obvious practical advantages and a huge dome would be an admirable foil i to the students’ union and chapel. Whatever is decided, we expect to make this complex of buildings the focal part of the new university.”