Gigadome

The “Gigadome” geodesic dome was developed as a temporary, large-span spatial structure for Planet Budapest 2026. The structure was realized within a constrained, post-industrial site located on former railway infrastructure in Budapest, imposing significant geometric and logistical boundary conditions.
The dome was designed as a hemispherical grid structure with a span of 72 m and a total surface area exceeding 4,000 m², currently representing the largest geodesic dome of this type constructed in Europe. The primary load-bearing system consists of approximately 2,000 linear members interconnected through nearly 1,000 spatial nodes, forming a triangulated network ensuring global stiffness and efficient load redistribution.
The structural system is supported on prefabricated foundation units, stabilized by ballast in the form of concrete railway sleepers. Due to irregular terrain conditions and the presence of existing infrastructure, the geometric integration of the structure was based on high-resolution 3D laser scanning data (point cloud), enabling precise positioning and minimization of geometric deviations during installation.
The geodesic grid geometry was generated using parametric modeling tools, specifically Rhino 3D in conjunction with Grasshopper, allowing for algorithmic control of node distribution and member optimization. Connection detailing, including the definition of primary node typologies, was developed using Tekla AutoConnection with customized parametric configurations to accommodate variable member orientations and force transfer mechanisms. Global structural analysis and verification were performed using AxisVM.
The erection methodology constituted a critical aspect of the project. Due to the scale and geometry of the structure, assembly was executed using the largest available crane in Hungary. A dual-directional erection strategy was adopted, with concurrent assembly progressing from the base ring and the crown. The final construction phase involved the closure of the structural system through the alignment and connection of two independently assembled segments, requiring high geometric precision and controlled load transfer during the final joining operation.