Monday, May 26, 2008

Igloos - an Inspiration

The igloo could be earliest form of the monolithic dome. It is an efficient structure - with the spherical section you get to enclose the home with the minimum amount of material. The natural strength of the arc carries the roof.

And it makes use of a material that is easily found.


wikimedia.org

The Mellon Arena is an indoor arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is also informally known as ‘The Igloo’. This arena has a special dome where 6 stainless steel arc panels retract to form an outdoor venue.


www.alongdrive.com

Another example is Our Lady of Victory Roman Catholic Church also known as the ‘Igloo Church’ in Inuvik, Canada. The church is built on permafrost and in order to avoid the layer of ice from melting, a double layer shell is placed on top of a gravel-filled saucer-like structure that is set into the ground.

Contributed by Kim Casey

1 comment:

Kyle and Svet Keeton said...

You are starting to get the picture round is the best! :)

Is a rounded structure the strongest form of structure or is there stronger construction methods?

Like I know that arched door ways are very old style and very strong.

Kyle