Architecture: The Iris Dome

The Iris Dome is a retractable roof that transforms like the iris of an eye. As it extends and retracts, transforming the space inside it from indoors to outdoors, its perimeter remains essentially fixed and stable. In its extended state it forms a lamella dome whose members display a pattern of interlocking spirals. The Iris Dome has rigid covering panels attached to its structural members. These panels smoothly glide over one another to make a continuous skin that covers the dome when it is fully extended.

The Iris Dome was exhibited at The Museum of Modern Art in 1994. A working 1.5-meter scale model was exhibited consisting of a precision-machined dome with clear covering panels and a model stadium. A large section of a 20-meter dome was also shown. Both pieces continuously extended and retracted under motorized control.


`the iris dome`
			The Iris Dome is a retractable roof that transforms like the iris of an eye. As it extends and retracts, transforming the space inside it from indoors to outdoors, its perimeter remains essentially fixed and stable. In its extended state it forms a lamella dome whose members display a pattern of interlocking spirals. The Iris Dome has rigid covering panels attached to its structural members. These panels smoothly glide over one another to make a continuous skin that covers the dome when it is fully extended. The Iris Dome was exhibited at The Museum of Modern Art in 1994. A working 1.5-meter scale model was exhibited consisting of a precision-machined dome with clear covering panels and a model stadium. A large section of a 20-meter dome was also shown. Both pieces continuously extended and retracted under motorized control.
	`Expanding Geodesic Dome with Fabric Covering`
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