One thing I love about living in Ohio is that you never really know when you’re going to come across something awesome.
There are lots of interesting places you can check out around the Buckeye State, but my latest obsession has to be the ASM International headquarters at Materials Park.
If you’ve never heard of this place, you’re probably thinking, “What a weird thing to be obsessed with”.
But just wait until you see it.
That’s right. This crazy, wonderful, beautiful geodesic dome is located way up north, in a town called Novelty, Ohio. I’m resisting the temptation to throw a pun in here, people.
The structure was built in 1959 and currently serves as the HQ for ASM International, a professional organization for materials scientists and engineers.
In 2009, this iconic site was proudly named to the National Register of Historic Places, following an exciting renovation that both preserved its historical significance and prepared it for future innovations in materials science.
The dome isn’t just impressive. It’s also massive.
Constructed from extruded aluminum pipe, the dome is 103 feet high and 250 feet in diameter. The whole thing weighs about 80 tons and has over 65,000 parts!
The building and its surroundings are a testament to the forward-thinking approach of its creators, featuring a stainless steel sun shield, thousands of louvers for natural light without the harshness of direct sun, and an environmentally friendly green roof.
The dome itself, a marvel of engineering, stands as a testament to the synergy of structure and function, reflecting the collaborative spirit of ASM’s members and chapters.
ASM International’s headquarters not only serves as an office but also plays a crucial educational role. It houses a state-of-the-art materials laboratory and classroom facility where professionals can expand their knowledge in materials science.
Although the office building under the dome isn’t open to the public, the grounds outside are, from 7:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, to be exact. And let’s be honest, we’re all just here to see the dome anyway.
So, whether you’re a materials science enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply in search of Ohio’s hidden gems, Materials Park offers a peek into the wonders of innovation and design. Materials Park is located at 9639 Kinsman Road, Russell Township. Who’s ready to take a little road trip?
Featured image via Facebook.
