Toward the end of World War II, Fuller attempted to strike a deal with Beech Aircraft to mass-produce Dymaxion Houses, thinking they would be the solution to the housing needs of returning military personnel, but design problems could never be worked out.
Only two prototypes were built. These were purchased by William Graham and used in 1948 in a hybrid version of the home in Wichita, Kansas. The home was donated to the Henry Ford Museum in 1991.
From thehenryford.org
The Dymaxion House ucla.edu |
Bird's-eye view aqua-velvet.com |
Interior xoxiety.com |
Looks like it came from outer space.
ReplyDeleteAmazing that it was designed in the 1920s. Very futuristic! xx
ReplyDeleteI used to work at the Henry Ford. A few years ago, one of the family members who grew up in that hybrid home came to visit, and the kids who were touring the Dymaxion House with their school group got to ask him questions about growing up in it! It's my very favorite exhibit in the museum.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful in so many ways. I went to a round church as a kid - ultra modern in the 70s, now to know the idea dates so far back makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteOh, I adore all the architectural experiments of the last century! Even if many of them were never considered very successful, the radical ideas are so inspirational. They're so full of optimism towards future possibilities. I wish we could experiment more, I think both Buckminster Fuller and other visionaries would be disappointed at how conventional our houses still are....
ReplyDeleteHis earlier suspended house design had a space under the house to park a car. This was even more revolutionary than the second one. Hope your feeling better.
ReplyDeleteI bet that turned heads in the farm lands of Wichita Kansas! So glad that it ended up as part of the Ford Museum vs a chicken coop!
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