Re-Viewing Black Mountain College: An International Conference
October 9-11, 2009 Asheville, North Carolina
How Art, Science, and Action Converge on Buckminster Fuller’s Dymaxion Map
A brief multimedia tour of the work of Buckminster Fuller, his natural blend of Art
and Science as well as his concern for humanity; Including his time spent at Black
Mountain College, 1948-49.
Buckminster Fuller is probably best known as an architect who pioneered the geodesic
dome, yet many are not aware that Fuller was also an inventor, mathematician, scientist,
author, cartographer, and cosmologist, a modern “Renaissance Man” who devoted his
life to the integration of art and science in order to create a sustainable future for 100% of
humanity. He is often credited as being one of the first global thinkers and
environmental designers. Fuller’s integrated worldview, Synergetic Geometry, and the
geodesic architecture (that he initially constructed with his students at Black Mountain
College) were shaped by the development of his Dymaxion World Map. Geometry
literally means, “Earth measurement”. This unique map offers a new creative
perspective of the Earth, not as divided continents and countries, but as one island in
one ocean.
An interconnected worldview is the foundation of sustainable design and allows one to
observe and appreciate the Art and Science of Nature. Fuller’s view was that given a
way to visualize the whole planet with greater accuracy, we humans will be better
equipped to address challenges as we face our common future aboard Spaceship Earth.
Fuller was aware that he was well ahead of his time and called his inventions “future
artifacts”. Now 60 years after his work at the Black Mountain College, humanity is
realizing the significance of sustainable design that he pioneered.
We offer a range of dynamic, experiential programs with this theme...
for all ages and venues
and can custom design them to fit your location and time frame -
from one hour to one week.
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