A large tubular geodesic dome erected on a playground was my first encounter with a geodesic structure of any kind. While climbing all over it and admiring its strength and rigidity I have noticed that its bottom ends were embedded in the concrete floor of the playground sandbox and realized that a conventional geodesic dome is permanently tied to and its integrity reliant on a conventional, usually a concrete foundation. That very same day in the summer of 1975 I have begun to create the concept of the sphere of OZ.
I didn’t get to the realization phase until 1980 and after I got to the state as shown on this page and have assessed the scope of the project I walked away. Only to return in 1997, the same concept, a different design a clear vision and equipped with a staying power.
The sphere of OZ is a tool in the form of a geodesic sphere that consists of 3 kinds of parts.
These parts are joints, tubular links and standard fasteners. The size of the sphere will be determined by the size of the joints and the links, which will be scalable, made from various materials and by various manufacturing methods to fit the application. By attaching components to it, the sphere of OZ can be infinitely modified and accessorized, to be used as a human habitat, in commerce, industry, agriculture, aquaculture on land, water and in space.
The adaptation of the geodesic sphere for a desired purpose will be first created virtually on a computer screen from catalogs of components provided by their manufacturers and accessible through the Internet or from CD’s. The real components will be delivered to and assembled at a chosen site. Any future modifications will be executed through the same process or through individual custom work.
A sphere designed as a human habitat can be delivered in a single container, a few pickup truck loads, carried or flown into difficult to access locations. The sphere will have its own foundation designed to fit the application. There will be no need for a ground clearing and excavation. The sphere can be erected on a level ground, hung from a mountain side, floated, fully or partially buried, put on wheels, rotate on an “auto crane” bearing.
The basic tool/geodesic sphere will become habitable by throwing a tarp over it.
From there, it will be up to the imagination.
The sphere of OZ is conceived to evolve into an autonomous living environment.
To support my geodesic sphere habit, earn a living and have a creative outlet I am running a business.
A one man shop offering the following:
Static and kinetic structures and forms – concept, design and fabrication
Furniture, art – concept, design and fabrication
Production tooling – concept, design and fabrication
I also have my own product that at this time consists of a line of furniture namely tables and it is still expanding.