The Lotus Dome offers a practical and inspirational alternative to our current patterns of interacting with our planet. We believe that a dramatic transformation of human belief patterns is now not only possible (and increasingly necessary), but is, in fact, currently underway.The Lotus Dome is intended to be a physical, external reflection of the inner evolution of human consciousness, providing the thinnest possible membrane between interior space and the external world. With the dramatic development of new technologies, exciting alternatives of shelter and structure become possible when we look at our world through new eyes.
|
|
Prefabricated |
|
|
|
By utilizing mass production processes, the domes are produced more efficiently, thus reducing costs. |
|
|
|
The domes can be shipped anywhere via container or flat-bed truck and assembled rapidly on-site. |
|
|
|
Assembly time is a function of available labor—a ninety-foot diameter dome can be assembled in as little as ten hours by five technicians and fifteen crew members. |
|
|
|
Modular |
|
|
|
Developed utilizing precision, theatrical touring engineering and technologies, the domes are lightweight, extremely strong and durable, and are designed for rapid assembly, disassembly and transportation. |
|
|
|
Existing domes can be modified or upgraded by replacing individual components as desired. |
|
|
|
Components can be exchanged, reused, and recycled. |
|
|
|
Portable |
|
|
|
The design is intended to dissociate our beliefs (and thus our actions) regarding land and those structures placed upon it. We believe that the human species has inherently nomadic traits and offer the reflection that indigenous cultures did not, and do not, need National Parks. |
|
|
|
No alteration of the land is necessary—upon removal all that need remain would be “footprints and memories,” thus preserving pristine and sacred lands. |
|
|
|
Domes could be leased rather than purchased and could be assembled upon leased land as desired. |
|
|
|
Designed to function as ultraluxury tents, the domes may require only use permits (rather than building permits). |
|
|
|
Self-Sustaining |
|
|
|
All utilities (electricity; heating, cooling, and ventilation; water collection, storage, and purification; waste recycling) are contained within the structure itself thus permitting deployment almost anywhere, while still providing the comforts that Western culture has come to expect and demands. |
|
|
|
Satellite communication technologies allow the domes to be in constant contact with the rest of the world. (The domes can even be used as satellite-broadcast, live-performance facilities linked via the Internet.) |
|
Starting in late 1994 we began development on a form of structure called the Lotus Dome. The design continues to evolve and the mandala at the top of the page is an aerial plan view of a ninety-foot diameter dome.Such facilities can be used for any purpose that would benefit from an open floor plan: from housing units or classrooms to health-care or performance and conference facilities. The domes are expected to function quite well from 0 to 50 degrees latitude (roughly, in the North, the Seattle/Boston/London/Paris range) and, with pre-fabrication in mass quantities, they are expected to be produced for as little as $50US per square foot.
As the dome design is free from any straight lines, it is inherently flexible. The strength of the curved, prestressed members (resulting in compressive rather than tensile loading) is so great however, that it will probably never flex to the point of being noticeable. Constructed from lightweight, nonflammable and virtually indestructible materials, the domes will sustain almost any act of nature excluding direct contact with molten lava or raining boulders. As the domes are modular, recycleable materials will be used wherever possible.The design can be scaled to any size, limited only by minimum ceiling height requirements.
When clear, the variable-opacity surface of the dome serves as a protective membrane, yet allows for full awareness of the beauty of our planet. Fading the variable-opacity surface to opaque provides privacy and reflects solar heat. With a color-coordinated or reflective surface treatment, the organic shape of the domes allows them to blend harmoniously into natural surroundings.
Our intention is to provide a controlled environment that is both simple and elegant so that people might have the opportunity to recognize just how little they really need to live in tranquillity and comfort.
Thank you for your interest in our work!
For more information, send an email to information@LotusDome.com
