Not to Scale: Highlights from the Fly’s Eye Dome Archive, June 30, 2017 - April 9, 2018
Scope and Contents
Materials include master checklists; exhibition design materials; installation images; and publications pertainting to exhibitions organized and hosted by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2018.
Dates
- June 30, 2017 - April 9, 2018
Conditions Governing Use
Images in this collection are either protected by copyright or are the property of CBMAA .
For requests to license high resolution art images, please contact
reproductions@crystalbridges.org
For requests to license high resolution installation images, please contact library@crystalbridges.org
Exhibition Summary
This focus exhibition featured several drawings, models, and concept sketches that form part of Buckminster Fullers’ Fly’s Eye Dome Archive, which was acquired by Crystal Bridges. An American architect, visionary, and inventor, Fuller [1895-1983], had revolutionary ideas focusing on improving the quality of life for the human race. Among other things, Fuller is known for promoting the use of the geodesic dome as a lightweight, affordable housing option. In 1966, Fuller began working with John Warren, a young engineer and surf board manufacturer specializing in fiberglass, and Norman Foster, famed and knighted British architect, to further develop the geodesic dome concept. Their goal was to incorporate circular openings—called “oculi”—to the dome in a pattern similar to that of the lenses of a fly’s eye. The openings would allow light and air to enter without compromising the integrity of the structure. The materials in this exhibition illuminate the collaborative, creative process that guided Fuller, Warren, and Foster as they developed and perfected the Fly’s Eye Dome. The exhibition introduced Fuller’s work and principles, while celebrating his passion for innovation and illuminating the creative partnerships that contributed to this unique project.
This exhibition accompanied the opening of Fuller’s 50-foot Fly’s Eye Dome, one of three prototypes he created of his design for efficient, inexpensive housing, which was acquired by Crystal Bridges in 2016.
Extent
From the Class: In progress Linear Feet
Language of Materials
From the Class: English
Repository Details
Part of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Archives Repository
600 Museum Way
Bentonville AR 72712 United States
(479) 418-5748
library@crystalbridges.org