Buckminsterfullerene!

As I was reading the assigned pages, I flipped over to page 94 where I saw a picture of a building that I knew I had seen recently.  Then I realized I hadn't seen it before but rather something very similar in resemblance to it....buckminsterfullerene or buckyball as it is commonly called.  It is an organic compound with a molecular formula of C60 (60 carbon atoms in the shape of Richard Buckminster Fuller's geodesic domes...hence the name) that we recently talked about in my organic chemistry class.  Some of its potential uses include being used in superconductor materials and drug-delivery systems. 

Despite my initial reaction, I also thought about what in the world is the point of this geodesic dome?! All I could think of was its modern-look and that it must be purely for aesthetic value and just being "eye-catching".  So I continued to read about these domes and Richard Buckminster Fuller and did a little digging as well.  Turns out, he did have a point in his designs as should have been expected.  As the text states, he used a "minimum of structure to create maximum strength"...sort of a "more is less" mentality.  In this way, he was able to use a low amount of materials and produce a great yield.  And we all know conserving resources is very important in today's world.

While looking at some of his other ideas and designs I couldn't help but share this one below.  Its a self-sustaining city that could be built in the middle of an ocean in the midst of a population density crisis.  Very neat!

Lastly, I got to thinking...why hasn't this geodesic dome design caught on if it truly saves resources and has such a unique, modern look to it.  Well in fact a very famous building takes after this sort of design and uses lightweight triangular elements as the book suggests...it is the one and only Louvre Pyramid in Paris.  Instead of forming the triangular elements into a sphere, it formed into one, huge triangle.  Both the sphere and the triangle just give that "world within a world" feel that is so unique and different yet so simple.

I found this short little video that helps put into perspective what Richard Buckminster Fuller was trying to achieve.  Enjoy!