SIUE

70th Anniversary of the Geodesic Dome Patent

On June 29th, 1954, Buckminster Fuller was awarded with the United States patent for the Geodesic Dome. 70 years later, on the weekend of June 29th, 2024, the Fuller Dome, Center for Spirituality and Sustainability, on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardarsville, will be hosting a series of three special events to commemorate the occasion. All the events will be held in the miniature earth geodesic dome that Bucky built with his partner Shoji Sadao in 1971 for the SIUE campus. The dome was historically known as the “Religious Center” and today as the Fuller Dome, Center for Spirituality and Sustainability it is working to “promote humanity’s sacred connection to the earth and each other.”

“The World of Buckminster Fuller” • film screening • 6/28/24

On Friday, June 28th, at 7:00 PM, we will screen “The World of Buckminster Fuller” a film by Academy Award winner Robert Snyder. Robert Snyder married Bucky’s daughter Allegra Fuller Snyder and their son, Bucky’s grandson, Jaime Snyder will zoom into the Fuller Dome at SIUE for the event to introduce the film and share his personal impressions on this film that is so integral to his family’s legacy.

This film by Oscar-winning filmmaker Robert Snyder, like his other documentaries on “the greats” (Michelangelo, Henry Miller, Willem De Kooning, Pablo Casals, among others), transports the viewer into Fuller’s mind and soul. Told entirely in his own words, the film is an intimate, personal and inspiring message from Fuller to our fragile world.

“The Future Happens Under a Dome” • dome lecture • 6/29/24

On Saturday, June 29th, at noon, the Fuller Dome’s Director Benjamin Lowder will take attendees on a deep dive into the history and geometry of geodesic domes. This picture and illustration filled presentation will convey the utility and wonder of this architectural marvel that so efficiently reflects the patterns of natural growth within its structure.

A Geoview Sound Bath: Go In To Go Out • sound bath • 6/30/24

On Sunday, June 30th, at 6:00 PM, Los Angeles based Ceremoni Sounds invites you to explore the unique acoustic properties of The Center for Spirituality and Sustainability’s Fuller Dome for an immersive and transformative sound bath experience. Aligning with Fuller's holistic worldview, this event integrates the principles of whole health and sound healing practices. 

As Fuller described, "One goes inside to go outside oneself and into the center of the Earth and thence outward to the stars in seconds. The Edwardsville Center becomes at once a cathedral of universal reality and a cathedral of universal mystery." Join us for this remarkable event and embark on a journey of inner and outer exploration!

For more information, contact us at (618) 650-3246 • fullerdome@outlook.com

Senator Crowe Visits the Dome

“When you live close to something, you can take it for granted,” said Crowe. “I grew up in Wood River and was familiar with the Dome, but I certainly didn’t understand the significance of it. It’s been a real educational experience for me. There are people outside of the country who recognize the importance of and the legacy of (sustainability pioneer) R. Buckminster Fuller. He and his contributions should be better known in our country, region and state.” 

Center Director Benjamin Lowder shares the Dome’s history and future plans with Senator Crowe.

Center Director Benjamin Lowder shares the Dome’s history and future plans with Senator Crowe.

“What struck me most is Fuller’s foresight, and that we are still considering the same things today,” continued Crowe. “I also learned how underutilized the Center is. The educational aspect and potential for SIUE students and others in the area is amazing.” 

Senator Crowe and Benjamin Lowder admiring Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome on the SIUE campus

Senator Crowe and Benjamin Lowder admiring Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome on the SIUE campus

The senator was excited about using her position on the Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee to elevate the CSS and help meet its objectives. “The Center fits in exactly with what we need in our area – tourism. We need to get the word out better about Mr. Fuller and everything he has contributed, so we can draw people here.” … You can read the full story here in the SIUE News

Allegra Fuller Snyder, at the Fuller Dome Gallery Inauguration

Buckminster Fuller’s daughter, Allegra Fuller Snyder attended the Inaugural Reception of the new Fuller Dome Gallery. This new exhibition space was made possible by a grant from the Meridian Society. It is located inside of the Fuller Dome on the SIUE campus. This inaugural exhibition created an opportunity to exhibit the Buckminster Fuller print portfolio, “Inventions, Twelve Around One.” Allegra had donated this portfolio of her father’s artwork to the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability in December of 2017 as way to recognize the good work being done by the Center to continue Bucky’s legacy.

Going forward, the Fuller Dome Gallery will share exhibitions curated from the SIUE University Museum Collection that align with the Center’s mission to “promote humanity’s sacred connection to the earth and each other.”