Fuller, (Richard) Buckminster (1895–1983)

Buckminster Fuller pictured in front of a geodesic dome, c. 1960. The surface of a geodesic dome is formed out of short rods arranged in triangles, a structure which allows large spaces to be enclosed using the minimum of materials. Buckminster Fuller patented the design in 1954.

View of the geodesic dome at the Park of La Villette, Paris, France. The geodesic dome is a lightweight structure of standardized, interlocking units which allows large spaces to be enclosed efficiently and relatively cheaply. It was invented by US architect and designer Buckminster Fuller.

US architect, engineer, and social philosopher. He embarked on an unorthodox career in an attempt to maximize energy resources through improved technology. In 1947 he invented the lightweight geodesic dome, a hemispherical space-frame of triangular components linked by rods, independent of buttress or vault and capable of covering large-span areas. Within 30 years over 50,000 had been built.

He also invented a Dymaxion (a combination of the words ‘dynamics’ and ‘maximum’) house 1928 and car 1933 that were inexpensive and conformed to his concept of using the least amount of energy output to gain maximum interior space and efficiency, respectively.

Among his books are Ideas and Integrities 1963, Utopia or Oblivion 1969, and Critical Path 1981.