[lojban-beginners] Re: geodesic dome

[Robert LeChevalier <lojbab@lojban.org>]

Jared Angell wrote:
> "Except that they're not.  Specifically, not just any arrangement of
> triangles would not necessarily be geodesic.  The important thing
> about the design is that the struts form lines that are straight in
> relationship to the curved surface.  "
>
> I'm referring to Buckminister Fuellers design...I was not aware that
> there are others.  I have read his books and seen many of these and
> all that I am aware of are as I described but maybe there is something
> you know that I don't...?


The debate on how to translate geodesic reveals one of the critical 
problems that makes translation difficult, especially when dealing with 
texts that involve specialist terms or jargon.  We don't know exactly 
what the English words mean, and our translations can be no better than 
our guesses as to the meaning.


Lest it be helpful, here is what Merriam Webster has as the definition 
of "geodesic" as an adjective used with "dome".  Note that this is 
different from the noun, which is defined as a mathematical term.

2 : made of light straight structural elements mostly in tension <a 
geodesic dome>

Some other definitions that Google came up with.  Note that only one of 
these definitions mentions triangles:

geodesic dome
n.
A domed or vaulted structure of straight elements that form interlocking 
polygons.

a dome built according to the principles of geodetic construction 
patented by R. Buckminster Fuller from the New York Times, March 20, 
1959: The ...
www.columbia.edu/cu/gsapp/BT/DOMES/GLOSSRY/gloss.html

A dome constructed according to the patents of R. Buckminster Fuller, in 
which the pattern of surface divisions is always a function of an entire 
sphere. Commonly constructed with prefabricated structural triangles 
linked together in a mosaic to create the domed shape.
www.wisbuild.org/wisbuild/resource+center/building+glossary/default.asp

Hemispherical dome made of prefabricated geometrically shaped units 
interconnecting to give stability in all directions.
www.dreamghar.com/gdic.html

Invented by Buckminster Fuller. Have the advantage that these can be 
placed directly on the ground as a complete structure and have few 
limitations of size.
www.unistates.com/rmt/explained/glossary/rmtglossaryghijk.html

A rounded structure made of short, straight, triangular sections that 
form polygons.
roofgenius.com/RoofInfo/Roof-Terminology.asp

A structure constructed of lightweight bars forming a grid of polygons.
modestoarearealestate.com/home_advice/glossary_of_terms/glossary-g.htm

a lightweight dome constructed of interlocking polygons; invented by R. 
Buckminster Fuller
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

A geodesic dome is an almost spherical structure based on a network of 
struts arranged on great circles (geodesics) lying approximately on the 
surface of a sphere. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodesic dome

lojbab