Shape Formation of Stereometric Dome Shells
Theoretical fundamentals of shape formation of stereometrical dome shells are revealed in this article. The genesis of shapes of shells consisting of plane elements of regular configuration in the form of truncated parts of regular polyhedrons is also considered. Principles of geometric formation of shell shapeil structures are touched upon and a brief description of each of them is given from the point of view of possible unification of shape forming elements. The author develops a methodology for designing stereometrical dome-shaped shells on the basis of regular crystals. He also describes methods of geometric calculation of stereometrical dome-shaped shells. Some methods of construction of shell surfaces and various kinds of compositions derived from them are demonstrated. Brief data on the peculiarities of material utilisation of stereometrical dome shells and some examples of their application in architecture are given.