Most People Don't Realize This Bizarre Geodesic Dome Is Hiding In Greater Cleveland
By Nikki Rhoades|Published April 12, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Northeast Ohio is home to some remarkable architectural elements. Right here in Cleveland, we have many marvels of modern engineering. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Arcade, and local monuments are both beautiful and impressive. Such majesty extends outside of Cleveland, however, and today we’re going to travel about 20 miles east to visit a site that combines nature and technology in a jaw-dropping way.
Hidden amid the scenery of splendid Geauga County is a structure that appears downright alien.
The purpose of this structure is appropriate, considering its otherworldly design. It hosts a team of ASM International big thinkers that assess and improve the needs of materials scientists and engineers. Providing education, creating online communities, and further research for magazines and technical journals are just a few of the amazing things done on this campus.
This property is known as Materials Park, and it hosts the ASM International Headquarters underneath an incredible geodesic dome.
Somewhere around 65,000 parts make up the skeleton of this dome, and its 65,000 parts contribute to a whopping 80 tons of weight. The pylons that support this structure are driven up to 77 feet into the ground!
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As you can see, the average person is dwarfed by this massive 103-foot-tall structure.
At 250 feet in diameter, this structure is truly impressive. Each and every piece works together to add strength and balance. The ASM International website states, "This makes the dome a highly appropriate symbol for the members and chapters of ASM – each providing knowledge to strengthen the whole." (Please note: this structure is not for climbing. The men pictured here are trained professionals assessing the state of the dome.)
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Construction began in March of 1958, achieving completion just in time for its dedication ceremony in September of 1959.
The goal of this structure was to symbolize the joining of nature and technology, and it does that in an intriguing way. The dome, you'll notice, joins the earth and sky, celebrating the union with a very Eden-esque environment.
Many consider the structure to be the world's largest open-air geodesic dome.
After you're done exploring the gardens in and around the dome, you'll want to swing by neighboring West Woods Park and nearby Punderson State Park. The beauty of this area offers endless allure to nature lovers!
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You'll be amazed by the majesty of this historic structure in scenic Geauga County.
