Studio Dror designs geodesic dome to pair with the Montreal Biosphère

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Expo 67, a seminal World’s Fair in Montreal. One of the most famous buildings for the event was the Biosphère, a geodesic steel dome designed by architect Buckminster Fuller. The building still stands as an environment museum.

To honor the building, the anniversary of the Expo, and the city’s 375th birthday, Studio Dror, led by designer Dror Benshetrit, has created another geodesic dome. 

The concept calls for a 150-meter-wide aluminum dome with vegetation wrapped around the frame to serve as a sound buffer. Located at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Saint Helen's Island, the new dome can hold events like festivals, concerts, food markets, and art installations throughout the year.

The dome will be a companion to the nearby Biosphère (though it will be approximately twice as wide). Benshetrit said he was inspired after a tour of the island.

“I started thinking about Fuller’s geodesic dome, a lonely orphan in the Montreal skyline, and what it takes to form a movement, and our concept was born,” Benshetrit said in a statement. “We propose a second, enlarged dome for the western tip of the island that ushers Montreal into the future. Poetically engaging Bucky’s existing structure in a visual dance, interacting much like the sun and the moon, the Biosphere is no longer alone; it has a partner.”

The firm said the dome will be able to accommodate up to 60,000 guests within two years of its completion. 

Next year is big for Canada, as along with all of Montreal’s celebrations, the nation itself is turning 150 years old.