Re: spectacular and serene

[Ted Ledbetter <tedled at earthlink dot net>]

>> >> earth-sheltered housing. I joined this list because of the 
>
>> >Fantastic!  My personal favorite structure is a tension structure,
>> >actually a simple one -- the radial tent.  But, you've got to 
>> 
>> an earth-sheltered reinforced-concrete dome because i believe that
>> a dome shape is the strongest form to be able to support an earthen 
>> "roof" and to support any animal or vehicular traffic across an 
>> earthen-roof...am i wrong about this?
>
>Actually, domes and tension structures are comparable in strength
>and load bearing capacities, but the translucent nature of the tension
>structure makes it better suited to above ground use.  You don't even
>require windows, unless you want a view.  The light that comes
>through them is wonderful.  (a local shopping mall uses them in lieu
>of artificial light...beautiful, and functional)
>
>That, and the fact that it's inherently more "flexible" than a concrete 
>reinforced dome, probably makes the dome better suited to 
>underground homes.
>
>As far as I know, earth sheltered structures require enormous strength
>to support the earth *AND* enormous rigidity so that the earth above
>does not move.
>
>Of course, my own ideas lean towards an earth bermed structure with
>a tension roof.
>
>     -- Chuck Knight
>________________________________________________________________


chuck, 
...can you point me to a webpage or two that will show me examples of the
flexible translucent  tension structures that your're mentioning?
ted