By Heather Rader
Posted On: Jul 15, 2022
The ASM dome sits on the 45-acre campus known as Materials Park, home to the headquarters of ASM International, formerly known as the American Society for Metals (a professional organization for materials scientists and engineers). Originally built in 1959, the futuristically designed dome was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009 and renovated in 2011.
Standing 103-feet high and 250-feet in diameter, prepare to be in awe as you stand under the dome's impressive open latticework! Constructed of extruded aluminum pipe, the dome consists of 65,000 parts and weighs 80 tons! The structure stands on five pylons, two of which rise from the courtyards set into the building. The 50,000 square-feet semi-circular office building sits below the dome and has a stainless-steel sun shield and an extensive grass covered roof surface.
The design was meant to bring nature and technology together in a celebration of materials. Walking under the substantial open dome and seeing the materials and sky together, the structure has certainly accomplished a successful union!
The Eisenman Gardens features more than 60 specimens of raw mineral ores and more than 70 varieties of flowering trees, perennials, and shrubs. While the massive dome overhead will demand your attention, be sure to look down while walking through the gardens.
Along the pathway, labeled mineral ores are on display in the manicured flower beds. The collection of mineral ores provides a small sample of earth's raw materials.
Visitors are welcome to tour the gardens and grounds of Material Park free of charge, Monday thru Friday from 7AM - 6PM. The building is closed to the public and no public restrooms are available onsite. The ASM geodesic dome is located at 9639 Kinsman Rd, Novelty (in Northeast Ohio).
For more parks & nature and unique gardens in Ohio, check #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.
