The countercultural appropriation of Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome saw in it both a paragon of pragmatism and minimalist dwelling and a harbinger of a new idealist conception of life, whereby normal social, political, and environmental codes were overturned, replaced by a desire for adaptive, nomadic, and collective experiences. From its first usage as such, when it was championed by the Whole Earth Catalog in 1968 as ideologically and spatially compatible with the concerns of the rising hippie movement, to its eventual discontinuation in the early-to-mid seventies, Fuller’s dome spawned a period of home-grown experimentation and wide-scale engagement with temporary architectures that remains unique. Fuller’s iconic structure never really disappeared, of course–it survived, and survives to this day, but at the cost of its founding dogmatic framework.

The dome is making a comeback this summer at The Loveland Farm, but, like all things revenant, it makes its return in commodified form. Operated by designer Jeff and Kate Griffin, the “farm” is better described as a campsite catered to “self-sufficient”,”nature” types that promises to deliver the “eco-camping experience”. Given the history of the erstwhile cohorts, it’s easy to cast the geodesic dome in this light.

Rebranded as “pods”, the domes can be rented and come outfitted with all the modern amenities visitors have come to expect from their would be “self-sustainable” accommodations. There’s a kitcheonette, a bathroom with shower, hardwood floors, a king size bed, plus a retro wood burning stove and even a wi-fi connection. A large cut-out window opens the room up to the idyllic countryside just outside. Sound appealing? The proprietors advise visitors to book their pod long in advance as they’re proving to be a hit.

[via PSFK]

by Samuel Medina

posted in Uncategorized

tagged buckminster fuller, ecoogy, geodesic dome, green, hippie, Hotel, Loveland Farm, sustainable

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