[35mm Ohio] The Great Dome Of Materials Park
After leaving the abandoned observatory, I made my way to the “World’s Largest Open Air Geodesic Dome” east of Cleveland.
Photographs made with a Pentax K1000 and Kodak Ultramax 400.
The structure stands over the campus and headquarters of ASM International, a professional society that provides resources and references in regards to the industrial uses of metals. The organization boasts over 29,000 members worldwide and while the architecture and design of its modern campus is noteworthy enough: the highlight is the massive dome that stands above it all. On a February morning with the sun peeking out, the snow was beginning to melt with water dripping from the structure above. It’s an incredibly tranquil place surrounded by woods with animal tracks dotting the snow. Located down a secluded roadway, the entire location seems like it’d be the perfect locale for a Bond villain.
The campus and its dome were constructed in the mid 1950’s, opening up in 1959 as ASM’s headquarters (back when the organization was known as the American Society for Metals). 50 years later, the dome was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Per the National Park Service, the dome’s peak reaches 103 ft and the entire structure is composed of 65,000 parts. The concrete pylons supporting the structure were built 77 feet into the ground below.
While famed architect and futurist Buckminster Fuller was a longtime proponent (and patent holder) of the geodesic dome design, various sources debate what role, if any, he had in the creation of this particular one found in Northeast Ohio. Nevertheless—it’s an incredible, notable, and historic structure. One located within its own post office designation: Materials Park, Ohio.
Tomorrow’s Post: “Our Lady of Ohio.”