The Prolog

For those who are interested I'm still working on the cheapskate dome framework idea. I need to get some better materials, but after building about half of a geodesic dome (then running out of parts) with straws and string I believe the basic concept will work. Aside from the geodesic dome made from triangulated pentagons and hexagons, I think an easier and faster to build framework can be made but would have to be reinforced. It might work well because it depends on the tension of the string to hold it tightly together, almost like the dome tents on the market but not exactly. Hard to explain so I will try to make a graphic if I can make a relatively successful model.

I'm not an architectural genius so I'm open to ideas. I base the notion that you can probably build dome frameworks with straws and string on the fact that you can make a tetrahedron out of 6 drinking straws cut short and 1 piece of twine - not very strong materials - and not be able to crush it between my two hands easily.

One annoying detail is: How do you keep the dome on the ground? If you made a concrete dome you'd be OK, but what about a tent? You'd want to eliminate the possibility of it blowing over somehow! Even a rigid, aerodynamic, heavy tent structure might have problems if there weren't anything holding it down real good. Perhaps tying cables to large trees, rocks, or tying boat anchors around the tent's perimeter would suffice?

Offered by Joe.