Geodesic Dome - A Platform for Group Interactivity
One of the main pieces of infrastructure that Syncytium offers is our 32-foot diameter geodesic dome.
It's a hemispherical structure comprised of a triangular lattice. It was designed by Buckminster Fuller for maximal architectural integrity by distributing stress throughout the struts.
It's also a fantastic platform for all sorts of group interactivity.
The Dome at Events
The dome has been loaned to many members of the community who have used it as a:
Suspending an aerialist
Performance space for Ann Arbor's Festifools.
Exhibit for the Detroit Maker Faire
Rig for aerial play and performances.
Jungle gym for the UofM parkour club.
Greenhouse for a local elementary school.
Syncytium camp infrastructure at community events like
Lakes of Fire and Burning Man.
The Process
When we fabricated it back in 2012, I led the full production process by securing the free warehouse space, obtaining funds, planning the manufacturing by following this process, and organizing the workflow with industrial tools at a local makerspace.
Building this beast was an amazing group effort!
I also wrote an application to the Ann Arbor Awesome Foundation, who awarded us a $1,000 grant to cover the majority of the cost.
