R. Buckminster Fuller

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R. Buckminster Fuller THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART 11 WEST 53 STREET, NEW YORK 19, N. Y. TILIPHONI: CIRCLE 5-M00 R. BUCKMINSTER FULLER "Nature," says R. Buekminster Puller, "always builds the most economic structures." Mr. Fuller's own structures, based on mathematical principles embodying force dis­ tributions similar to those found in atoms, molecules and crystals, are considered the lightest, strongest and cheapest constructions ever made. His overall goal, Comprehensive Design, is to provide "more and more of everything, for everybody, from less and less resources." Since Mr* Fuller invented his new system of mathematics, "Energetic Geometry," in 1917* bis projects have included the 1927 "Dymaxion" house; a one-piece, die- stamped bathroom; the first streamlined* three-wheeled automobile; the "Wichita" House", made with airplane construction techniques to sell for the price of a Ford sedan; Energetic Synergetic Geometry; the "Dymaxion" map, which eliminated distor­ tions; "Geodesies" - a system of building construction. Mr. Fuller's geodesic domes, combining maximum strength with minimum material, are now found all over the world* Almost 1,000 plastic and fibre-glass Radomee/* are used to contain Eadar equipment in the DJS..W. lines. Cardboard domes, used as front-line tents," are called by the IT. S. Marine Corps, "the first basic improvement in mobile military shelter in 2,6*00 years." A huge aluminum dome en­ closed part of the U. S. exhibition at the Moscow Fair. The world's largest free- span enclosure, a 38% foot diameter dome, houses the union Tank Car Co. repair shop in Baton Rouge, La. Domes have been used for international trade fairs In Afghanistan, India, Burma, Thailand and Japan. Mr. Fuller was born at Milton, Mass., on July 12, 1895, attended Milton Academy and Harvard. The author of Nine Chains to the Moon (1938), his work has been exhi­ bited before at the Museum of Modern Art: Buckminster Fuller Dymaxion Deployment Unit (19*&), and Two Houses: New Ways to Build (with Frederick Kiesler) (199B). His future projects Include sky Islands for use as launching platforms for aissles, underwater islands as bases for submarines, oil drillers or oceanographic surveys; and total climate control by enclosing cities or deserts. .
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