Structure Spaceship Earth (Epcot)

close-up of spaceship earth s alucobond tiles.

the structure similar in texture united states pavilion expo 67 in montreal, unlike structure, spaceship earth complete sphere, supported 3 pairs of legs. architectural design conceived wallace floyd design group. structural designs of both expo 67 , spaceship earth completed simpson gumpertz & heger inc. of boston, massachusetts.

geometrically, spaceship earth derived class 2 geodesic polyhedron frequency of division equal 8. each face of polyhedron divided 3 isosceles triangles form each point. in theory, there 11,520 total isosceles triangles forming 3840 points. in reality, of triangles partially or nonexistent due supports , doors; there 11,324 silvered facets, 954 partial or full flat triangular panels.

the appearance of being monolithic sphere architectural goal achieved through structural trick. spaceship earth in fact 2 structural domes. 6 legs supported on pile groups driven 160 feet central florida s soft earth. legs support steel box-shaped ring @ sphere s perimeter, @ 30 degrees south latitude in earth-terms. upper structural dome sits on ring. grid of trusses inside ring supports 2 helical structures of ride , show system. below ring, second dome hung bottom, completing spherical shape. ring , trusses form table-like structure separates upper dome lower. supported , 3 feet off structural domes cladding sphere shiny alucobond panels , drainage system mounted.

the cladding designed when rains, no water pours off sides onto ground. water collected through one-inch gaps in facets gutter system, , channeled world showcase lagoon.