Northeast Ohio is home to some remarkable architectural elements. Right here in Cleveland, we have many marvels of modern engineering. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Arcade, and local monuments are both beautiful and impressive. Such majesty extends outside of Cleveland, however, and today we’re going to travel about 20 miles east to visit a site that combines nature and technology in a jaw-dropping way.
Hidden amid the scenery of splendid Geauga County is a structure that appears downright alien.
Ohio Urban Development/Wikimedia Commons The purpose of this structure is appropriate, considering its otherworldly design. It hosts a team of ASM International big thinkers that assess and improve the needs of materials scientists and engineers. Providing education, creating online communities, and further research for magazines and technical journals are just a few of the amazing things done on this campus.
This property is known as Materials Park, and it hosts the ASM International Headquarters underneath an incredible geodesic dome.
ASM Materials Education Foundation/Facebook Somewhere around 65,000 parts make up the skeleton of this dome, and its 65,000 parts contribute to a whopping 80 tons of weight. The pylons that support this structure are driven up to 77 feet into the ground!
As you can see, the average person is dwarfed by this massive 103-foot-tall structure.
ASM International/Facebook At 250 feet in diameter, this structure is truly impressive. Each and every piece works together to add strength and balance. The ASM International website states, “This makes the dome a highly appropriate symbol for the members and chapters of ASM – each providing knowledge to strengthen the whole.” (Please note: this structure is not for climbing. The men pictured here are trained professionals assessing the state of the dome.)
Construction began in March of 1958, achieving completion just in time for its dedication ceremony in September of 1959.
ASM International/Facebook Thanks to its intriguing design and long lifespan, this campus was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
Unlike most geodesic domes, this one was never intended to be a covered structure.
ASM Materials Education Foundation/Facebook The goal of this structure was to symbolize the joining of nature and technology, and it does that in an intriguing way. The dome, you’ll notice, joins the earth and sky, celebrating the union with a very Eden-esque environment.
Many consider the structure to be the world’s largest open-air geodesic dome.
ASM International/Facebook It’s dwarfed, however, by the largest of all geodesic domes in the world - the Seagaia Ocean Dome in Japan is 710 feet in diameter!
Materials Park is located just 20 miles east of Cleveland, but its timeless celebration of possibility and hope has it feeling like a hidden utopia.
ASM Materials Education Foundation/Facebook To a certain extent, it is a hidden utopia. You can find it at 9639 Kinsman Rd., Russell Township.
Visitors can explore the grounds of Materials Park from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday, though the building itself is closed to the public.
ASM Materials Education Foundation/Facebook After you’re done exploring the gardens in and around the dome, you’ll want to swing by neighboring West Woods Park and nearby Punderson State Park. The beauty of this area offers endless allure to nature lovers!
You’ll be amazed by the majesty of this historic structure in scenic Geauga County.
National Trust for Historic Preservation/Facebook
There’s so much beauty in this historic site. Have you ever visited this incredible structure, or one similar to it?
Ohio Urban Development/Wikimedia Commons
The purpose of this structure is appropriate, considering its otherworldly design. It hosts a team of ASM International big thinkers that assess and improve the needs of materials scientists and engineers. Providing education, creating online communities, and further research for magazines and technical journals are just a few of the amazing things done on this campus.
ASM Materials Education Foundation/Facebook
Somewhere around 65,000 parts make up the skeleton of this dome, and its 65,000 parts contribute to a whopping 80 tons of weight. The pylons that support this structure are driven up to 77 feet into the ground!
ASM International/Facebook
At 250 feet in diameter, this structure is truly impressive. Each and every piece works together to add strength and balance. The ASM International website states, “This makes the dome a highly appropriate symbol for the members and chapters of ASM – each providing knowledge to strengthen the whole.” (Please note: this structure is not for climbing. The men pictured here are trained professionals assessing the state of the dome.)
Thanks to its intriguing design and long lifespan, this campus was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
The goal of this structure was to symbolize the joining of nature and technology, and it does that in an intriguing way. The dome, you’ll notice, joins the earth and sky, celebrating the union with a very Eden-esque environment.
It’s dwarfed, however, by the largest of all geodesic domes in the world - the Seagaia Ocean Dome in Japan is 710 feet in diameter!
To a certain extent, it is a hidden utopia. You can find it at 9639 Kinsman Rd., Russell Township.
After you’re done exploring the gardens in and around the dome, you’ll want to swing by neighboring West Woods Park and nearby Punderson State Park. The beauty of this area offers endless allure to nature lovers!
National Trust for Historic Preservation/Facebook
If you’re intrigued by the splendor of man-made wonders, you’ll adore these man-made sites in Cleveland.
We’ve compiled a list of top-rated attractions in Cleveland for you to check out.
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