Geodesic dome

A dome is an element of architecture that resembles the hollow upper half of a sphere. Dome structure made of various materials has a long architectural lineage extending into prehistory. A geodesic dome is made of a pattern of triangle resulting in a great structural strength while using the least material. It is built up of triangular or polygonal facets that distribute stresses within the structure itself.

DISCUSSIONS
We used a total of 5 days to build this geodesic dome and in between we had some problems like is it good to use PVC pipes as the main material to build the dome and how to joint and tie the pipes together. The shapes of the dome also take us about 2 days to think as some of the triangle shape that we draft is irregular. On the other hand, we did considered the rules when constructing the dome. The size of the dome must be able to accommodate five members and make sure it can withstand a high pressure of water. In the discussions, all criteria is being considered throughout the process.

Therefore as a first year student of School Housing, Building and Planning in USM, we were given project to construct and present a mini geodesic dome of our own on the first of October 2014. This project was conduct by Dr. Mohd. Hafizal Mohd Isa for the subject Built Environment and Human Settlement (RAG132). The presentation was held at the field near Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra during the class period. 

The intention of this project was to build a geodesic dome that can be using at outdoor. This dome should be eco-friendly and highly. Before the presentation day, we were divided into a few groups and my group consists of 9 members with 1 male and 9 female from all courses. We were given a week to prepare for the materials to be use and also to think of the to fulfill the rules which were geodesic dome that is made by eco-friendly materials, zero money spend , able to sustain the weather and has a unique design.

     As to fulfill all the rules given, the geodesic dome was built with four materials which are PVC pipes, duct tape, raffia string and plastic bags as the covering. Other tools were scissors and mini hacksaw. We got the PVC pipe from the construction site in front of School of Art while the rice plastic bag was from the cafeteria inside USM. Thus, those things actually minimize our cost in this project. Besides, PVC pipe is extremely durable material that is much stronger than many other plastics. Besides, PVC commonly known as vinyl is one of the most widely used plastics in the world, touching virtually every part of our lives. 

    

 As to conclude, we were able to construct a strong structure of Geodesic Dome by learning the techniques and also know the suitable materials to be used in this project in order to reach the requirement needed for the best result with minimal costs. Besides, we were also learnt to work together as a team with full commitment as everyone of us in the group plays their own act to construct the dome until it finished. Last but not least, a special thank you to Dr. Mohr Hafizal Mohd Isa for the enjoyable and colourful closure for our presentation day.