Domed Architecture Makes a Stunning Comeback: 10 Modern Marvels

Architectural domes are experiencing a renaissance. This roundup highlights 10 recently completed buildings that showcase the resurgence of dome architecture, a form with roots stretching back millennia. From the iconic Pantheon in Rome to contemporary designs, domes have captivated architects and the public alike.

The Enduring Appeal of Domes

Domes have a storied history, with Richard Buckminster Fuller's geodesic dome patent in 1954 marking a modern milestone. The form's popularity waned in recent decades but is now seeing a revival, as evidenced by these innovative projects.

Featured Projects

1. Play Pavilion, UK, by Peter Cook
   • A geodesic dome tops this vibrant structure, part of the Serpentine Gallery's summer pavilion series.

2. Ground, South Korea, by Tadao Ando
   • A concrete dome creates a cave-like gallery for Antony Gormley's sculptures.

3. HATA, USA, by Anastasiya Dudik
   • A futuristic holiday home in the California desert, inspired by organic forms.

4. Blue Ocean Dome, Japan, by Shigeru Ban
   • Constructed for Expo 2025 Osaka, this pavilion features three domes made from sustainable materials.

5. West Bund Dome Art Center, China, by Schmidt Hammer Lassen
   • An adaptive reuse project transforming a cement factory into a cultural venue.

6. Wisdome Stockholm, Sweden, by Elding Oscarson
   • A timber dome housing an immersive 3D experience at a technology museum.

7. Apple The Exchange TRX, Malaysia, by Foster + Partners
   • A glass dome blending square and round geometries for an Apple Store.

8. Twisted Brick Shell Library, China, by HCCH Studio
   • A pavilion with two hemispheres connected by a twisting wall.

9. Intuit Dome, USA, by AECOM
   • A sports arena with a dome resembling a basketball net.

10. MSG Sphere Las Vegas, USA, by Populous
    • A dome-shaped entertainment venue with a massive LED screen exterior.