The History and Significance of Domes Around the World

Domes have been a staple in architecture for thousands of years, with evidence of their use dating back to ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia.

The ancient Sumerians built the Ziggurat of Ur, a stepped pyramid with a dome-shaped top, around 2100 BC. This structure showcases the early use of domes in architecture.

Domes have been used in various cultures to signify power, wealth, and spiritual significance. The Pantheon in Rome, built in 126 AD, is a prime example of this, with its massive dome dominating the city's skyline.

The Pantheon's dome was the largest in the world for over 1,700 years, a testament to the engineering skills of the ancient Romans.

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The English word "dome" has a fascinating history, ultimately deriving from the ancient Greek and Latin domus ("house"), which referred to a revered house, regardless of its shape. This is reflected in the uses of the Italian word duomo, the German/Icelandic/Danish word dom ("cathedral"), and the English word dome as late as 1656.

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The term "dome" was initially used to describe a "Town-House, Guild-Hall, State-House, and Meeting-House in a city." It wasn't until the eighteenth century that the French definition of a cupola vault became the standard usage of the English dome. This was largely due to the construction of monumental domes in Houses of God and the need for more technical terms in science.

Across the ancient world, curved-roof structures were given various names, reflecting different shapes, traditions, and symbolic associations. The hemispherical shape often associated with domes today derives from Greek geometry and Roman standardization, but other shapes persisted, including a pointed and bulbous tradition inherited by some early Islamic mosques.

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The English word "dome" has a rich history, and its meaning has evolved over time. It ultimately derives from the ancient Greek and Latin domus, meaning "house".

The word "dome" was used to label a revered house, such as a Domus Dei, or "House of God", regardless of the shape of its roof. This is reflected in the uses of the Italian word duomo, the German/Icelandic/Danish word dom, and the English word dome as late as 1656.

In 1660, the French word dosme acquired the meaning of a cupola vault. This definition gradually became the standard usage of the English word "dome" in the eighteenth century.

Domes have been a part of architecture for thousands of years, with different cultures and traditions contributing to their development.

The term "dome" is often used loosely, but technically, it refers to a structure with a hemispherical shape, typically derived from Greek geometry and Roman standardization.

Definitions of domes vary widely, with some dictionaries describing them as non-specific, blanket terms for spanning elements.

A "false" dome is actually a type of dome that achieves its shape through a series of horizontal layers of stones that extend inward slightly, meeting at the top.

The Italian term "finto" or "false" has been used since the 17th century to describe this type of vaulting.

A "true" dome, on the other hand, is said to be one whose structure is in a state of compression, with constituent elements of wedge-shaped voussoirs.

The concept of pendentives has been a source of academic contention, with some arguing that corbelling is permitted under the definition.

Consider reading: History of Early Modern Period Domes

A dome with pendentives can be divided into two kinds: simple and compound, with the latter being more common.

The fields of engineering and architecture have traditionally had different focuses when it comes to domes, with engineering looking at structural behavior and architecture examining form and symbolism.

The term "dome" has expanded in popular usage to include any long-span roofing system, reflecting the diversity of structures that can be classified as domes.

Geodesic domes, on the other hand, are a specific type of dome made up of interlocking hexagons or triangles, which are strong and highly stable.

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Dome construction has come a long way, from ancient mud-brick and baked brick to modern materials like steel, aluminum, and composite materials. These materials offer durability, insulation, and efficiency.

The choice of material affects the dome's weight, longevity, and performance under different environmental conditions. Steel is highly durable and ideal for large, permanent domes, but requires anti-corrosion coatings to prevent rust.

Steel, aluminum, wood, and composite materials are the primary structural materials used in dome construction. Here's a brief overview of each:

The geodesic dome's unique combination of interconnected struts and tensioned components allows for a lightweight yet robust architecture that can withstand significant external loads and pressures.

A dome's top is called the "crown". The inner side of a dome is called the "intrados" and the outer side is called the "extrados".

The base of a dome is its "springing", and the part that lies roughly halfway between the base and the top is called the "haunch". This is a crucial distinction to keep in mind when designing a dome.

Domes can be supported by an elliptical or circular wall called a "drum". Drums are also called "tholobates" and may or may not contain windows.

To bridge the gap between a dome's circular base and the supporting walls beneath it, techniques like corbelling and using diagonal lintels or arches are employed.

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The choice of materials for geodesic domes is guided by environmental considerations, with options like polycarbonate being fully recyclable and robust.

Polycarbonate is a popular choice for geodesic domes due to its immense strength, up to 200 times stronger than glass, and brilliant impact resistance.

In addition to polycarbonate, geodesic domes can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, PVC, and glass.

The selection of materials in geodesic dome construction defines weight, durability, insulation, and overall efficiency.

Here are some common materials used in geodesic dome construction:

The materials used in geodesic dome construction can be used to create a wide range of structures, from small garden pods to large event spaces.

Steel is a highly durable material that is ideal for large domes, but it requires anti-corrosion coatings to prevent rust.

Aluminum is a lightweight and rust-resistant material that is often used for temporary or portable domes.

Wood is an aesthetic and natural-looking material that offers good insulation, but it requires moisture protection in humid climates.

Composite materials, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, provide a lightweight yet strong alternative for modern high-tech dome constructions.

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Braced structures are incredibly versatile and can be used to cover spans of up to 150 meters.

They often have a very low weight, making them a great option for large-scale projects.

Braced domes can be either single or double layer space frames in the form of a dome.

The different terms reflect different arrangements in the surface members, which can be either ribbed or have a lattice structure.

Single-layer structures are called frame or skeleton types and double-layer structures are truss types, which are used for large spans.

Prefabricated components can either lie on the dome's surface of revolution or be straight lengths with the connecting points or nodes lying upon the surface of revolution.

This flexibility in design makes braced domes a popular choice for architects and engineers.

A different take: Single Membrane Roofing

The Crossed Arch is a type of ribbed vault that originated in the 10th century in the Great Mosque of Córdoba.

One of the earliest known examples of this design can be found in the Great Mosque of Córdoba.

The ribs of the Crossed Arch intersect one another off-center, forming an empty polygonal space in the center.

The octagon is perhaps the most popular shape used in Crossed Arch designs.

Whether the arches are structural or purely decorative remains a matter of debate.

Examples of Crossed Arch designs can be found in Spain, North Africa, Armenia, Iran, France, and Italy.

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