Various plans were considered and one of the earliest was that of a geodesic dome. Some models were tried out.
While this looked like providing a reliable way of producing a spherical structure, its construction in metal was thought to require a large number of joints and also its rigidity would be further compromised by the need for opening up the window apertures required. For a while I pondered on using wood or fiberglass but I am more at home with steel and somehow I find it easier to manage.
Finally it was decided to build a dome made up of 16 vertical sectors made from galvanized steel sheeting.
I was still unsure as to the best way to support these segments internally and this is where I found the ideas and descriptions of other enthusiasts like John invaluable. But the final decision had to wait until the project was already well underway. After all, a lot needed to be done and materials assembled before it became necessary.
