One Year and Counting
by
David B. South, Jr.
reprinted from The Monolithic Dome Roundup Summer 1998
This
is the one year anniversary of the Roundup, Journal of the Monolithic
Dome Institute. Actually, it is not the first anniversary of the Roundup
itself, but of when we changed it to the full-color magazine and I became
its editor.
Since
our "first" issue, we have learned a lot about what it takes to make a
magazine. You would be surprised at all the details and work a color magazine
needs. We have made mistakes, but overall, we have enjoyed the process.
I think this issue is many times better than the first one.
Our
first issue highlighted schools and it is appropriate that our anniversary
issue does, too. Many of the schools that we reported under construction
are now complete - or nearly complete. And there are new projects already
underway. For example, Cradleboard Elementary School in Whiteriver, Arizona,
was only hollow dome shells on a gravel site. Now the school is occupied
and an exemplary model of schools for the future.
The domes in Pattonsburg, Missouri, although delayed because of severe
weather, will also be opening soon. These school districts are on the
cutting edge of technology, and took a risk in building these schools.
There were concerns about whether their students, teachers, and communities
would accept a radically different building. And their concerns were often
amplified by individuals who, for one reason or another, were opposed
to the project.
For example, an architectural firm was hired by a school district to design
a Monolithic Dome school. The architect kept trying to persuade the school
board to go with a conventional design. Finally, the school board had
to fire the architect and hire a new one in order to get what they wanted.
This has happened more than once.
Now, after the school is finished and occupied for a while, the reasons
for building the Monolithic Dome are becoming apparent. The faculty and
students enjoy a quiet, safe, and comfortable environment. The domes are
proving to be quite a success in the community.
Additionally, the initial cost of the school was less than a conventional
design and the maintenance and energy costs are much lower. Now, one year
since our first color issue, more dome schools are in design. The "pioneer"
dome schools are proving a success and that the promises of the Monolithic
Dome are true. The best part is that no one has to take my word for it,
they can visit these schools and find out for themselves.
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