Domed cities: Can these utopian structures be our future?

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• April 24, 2024

Insight summary

Domed cities offer a novel approach to urban design by creating controlled climates and enhancing community engagement through innovative structures. These projects demonstrate the potential for domed environments to improve living conditions, promote energy efficiency, and foster discussions around critical issues, such as ecology and social change. However, the trend towards domed living also raises questions about social equity, the impact on natural world connections, and the need for specialized knowledge in construction and maintenance.

Domed cities context

The concept of domed cities represents a fascinating intersection of architecture, sustainability, and futurism, drawing upon historical precedents and innovative contemporary projects. The Pratt Public Sphere, initiated by artist Mary Mattingly on the Brooklyn campus of Pratt Institute, exemplifies this blend by transforming a geodesic dome into a multi-purpose community space. This project, which began in November 2022, not only serves as a classroom and communal hub but also hosts various programs to foster discussions around ecology, food security, and social change. The dome, which is easy to assemble and adaptable for multiple uses, echoes the work of visionary architect Buckminster Fuller and Mattingly's interest in sculptural ecosystems.

Domed structures resonate with the ancient practice of using dome shapes for housing and ceremonial spaces, symbolizing futuristic and utopian architecture. The dome's utilization in the Pratt project as a space for interdisciplinary collaboration and community building reflects a broader trend of reimagining urban environments. This approach not only bridges art and science but also invites a reevaluation of space usage in urban settings, emphasizing the role of innovative structures in enhancing community engagement and sustainability.

Glass domes, for example, are emerging as futuristic housing solutions, offering energy efficiency, protection against the elements, and a unique aesthetic appeal. These structures demonstrate the potential for integrating natural light and outdoor views into residential designs, enhancing living conditions and reducing energy consumption. As urban areas continue to seek solutions for sustainable development and resilience against climate change, domed structures offer a compelling vision for the future of living spaces. 

Disruptive impact

One positive impact of domed cities is the creation of controlled climates, which can make cities more livable in extreme weather conditions, reducing the strain on heating and cooling systems and potentially lowering energy consumption. However, this enclosed environment could lead to a disconnect from the natural world, as residents spend more time in artificial settings. For individuals, this means a shift in daily routines and leisure activities, possibly leading to a greater emphasis on indoor and virtual experiences over traditional outdoor activities.

For companies, the shift toward domed environments presents opportunities for innovation in construction, energy management, and urban agriculture, among other sectors. Businesses operating within these domes may benefit from reduced energy costs and the ability to offer unique services or products tailored to these controlled environments. On the downside, this trend could also pose challenges in terms of logistics, as the design and maintenance of such structures require specialized expertise and technologies. 

Governments may need to update zoning laws, building codes, and environmental regulations to accommodate these new structures. Internationally, the trend could influence climate change and sustainability policies, as domed cities offer a novel approach to reducing carbon footprints and enhancing energy efficiency. However, there could be negative implications for social equity, as the high cost of living in domed environments may limit access to these benefits for lower-income populations, prompting governments to consider how to ensure equitable access to the advantages of domed living.

Implications of domed cities

Wider implications of domed cities may include: 

• A shift in architectural and construction industry standards, emphasizing specialized materials and designs suited for dome environments.


• Changes in urban agriculture practices, with increased indoor farming operations that provide local produce year-round.


• New public health policies to manage air quality and prevent the spread of diseases in controlled environments.


• Social stratification based on access to domed living spaces, potentially worsening socio-economic divides.


• A transformation in the real estate market, with premium values placed on properties within or adjacent to domed environments.


• Adjustments in transportation infrastructure and vehicle designs to accommodate the unique conditions of domed cities.


• Development of advanced energy management systems to maintain the delicate balance of temperature, humidity, and air composition inside domes.


• New environmental regulations aimed at protecting outdoor ecosystems from potential impacts of large-scale dome constructions.

Questions to consider

• How might living in a domed city change the way you live?


• What are the other potential benefits and challenges of living in a domed city?