And somehow I'm back to geodesic domes

They won't leave me alone. So maybe I have to give in.

The geodesic dome is a sphere like shape based on the geodesic polyhedron, which consists of A LOT of triangles (or polygons). 20th century architect R. Buckminster Fuller used this shape to develop a lightweight dome structure, in which the triangular or polygonal facets replace the arch, and distributes the stresses within the structure itself (Brittannica).

I have been fascinated with the geodesic dome and other geometric shapes since coming across the work of Icelandic artist and architect Einar Þorsteinn, who was obsessed with Buckminster Fuller's work, and worked closely with, and influenced Ólafur Elíasson. Einar Þorsteinn was also obsessed with platonic solids, aliens and otherworldly life, and the colour yellow. He was part of the welcome committee for the aliens that had announced their arrival on Snæfellsjökull on the 5th of November 1993. A very likeable man indeed.

Image source unkown

I've done experiments with the structure, but I haven't figured out what the best way is, how complicated it should be, and what material the structure should be made of. Wire was a terrible idea, it's really impossible to create a geometric shape using it on its own, so I went out and picked lupine, because its stems are hollow and can be threaded with wire.

Here is an experiment using lupine stems and wire. The structure is not ideal and very uneven, but a little bit more successful than the wire-toothpick failure.

I might want to build a geodesic dome, or at least half of a dome, to symbolise the sun and circularity. I want to make it out of algae found on the shores in Iceland. It's incredibly beautiful once dried ,especially if you let a light shine through it. It is incredibly difficult to work with though, as it is too slippery when still fresh, but breaks and crumbles when too dry.

I've found lots of secondary reference images, and made some experiments, but experimentation needs to continue.

The idea is to create a spherical shape that will allow light to shine through it in an altered or filtered way, in order to cast a warm light on the viewer and anything that surrounds it. Ideally it will remind of the sun, and hot magma, since these elements have been important in my research in Iceland.

The execution would be tricky. My backup plan is more of a curtain/room divider. I will be collecting seaweed this weekend and see how I can work with it.

Edit (18.10.20):

I went seaweed picking, brought home a full bag, cleaned it, packed it in a sealed bag and brought it with me on a plane to London. When I arrived, it was intensely smelly and slimy, and in our little flat I had no place to dry it. I ended up having to throw the seaweed away, which made me a little bit sad because I was really looking forward to work with it, and I'm not sure I will find a material that resembles it here in London. When I get back home to Iceland I will do my experiments and see what comes out of it, but for now I have to rethink.