About
Materials Park has been the headquarters for ASM International (formerly American Society for Metals) since 1959 and was the vision of four men: William Hunt Eisenman, John Terence Kelly, Thomas C. Howard, and R. Buckminster Fuller.
Its futuristic design was intended to symbolize humanity's technological mastery of materials and was named to the National Register of Historic Places in July 2011.
The geodesic dome is composed of extruded aluminum pipe standing 103 feet high and is over 200 feet in diameter. It weighs 80 tons and consists of more than 65,000 parts, all of which work together to give it strength and an overwhelming appearance.
The unique building has three levels and consists of 50,000 square feet, serving as an office for ASM staff including a materials laboratory and classroom. The beautiful gardens beneath the dome include over 60 specimens of raw mineral ores and 70 types of flowers, shrubs, and trees, and various fountains.
This is a wonderful place for a quick visit and walk or even a lunch in the garden.
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Know Before You Go
Located next to the Geauga Park District's West Woods and approximately four miles west of Punderson State Park. The building is closed to the public, but the grounds are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The dome is visible from Kinsman Road (looking south).
Published
May 26, 2021
