RBF Dome NFP Team

An Organization to Restore Buckminster Fuller's Carbondale Dome Home

RBF Dome NFP

The RBF Dome Nonprofit was formed on July 16, 2002 by a small group of local volunteers who believed that the Fuller Dome Home in Carbondale, Illinois was an extremely important historic artifact which should be preserved for the appreciation and education of future generations.

Bill Perk Donation

In September 2002, SIUC Emeritus H.F.W. 'Bill' Perk, colleague of Buckminster Fuller and owner of the Fuller Dome Home, donated the property at 407 S. Forest Avenue to RBF Dome NFP. Shortly thereafter work began to make the RBF Dome Home Museum a legal reality.

Historic Landmark

In 2004 the Carbondale City Council voted on the RBF Dome NPF to become the first home in Carbondale to receive museum status, a stepping stone to apply for national historic landmark status.

Later in 2004, the Dome Home was designated "most endangered" historical structure in the state of Illinois by the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois (LPCI).

With a starting fund of $5,000 from the LPCI, RBF Dome NFP retained local architecture firm of White and Borgognoni to do an assessment.

In February 2006, Fuller’s Dome Home was added to
the National Registry of Historic Places.

Given its unique role in Bucky's life, the Fuller Dome in Carbondale is possibly one of the most important Buckminster Fuller artifacts remaining in the world today.

The Team

Architects, Educators,Professors Emeriti, Artists, Designers, Community Organizers and Leaders

These individuals represent a diverse confluence of individuals dedicated to manifesting Bucky's ideals today.

Our Vision...

The Fuller Dome is a project of RBF Dome NFP, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring Buckminster Fuller's legacy. Our vision is to further Bucky's work, principles, and commitment to addressing the world's most basic needs by preserving his artifacts and providing programming in the spirit of Fuller's hope for "omni-successful education and a sustenance of all humanity."

Bill Perk - Founding Member. Bill was a colleague and friend of Bucky and purchased the Dome from its last owner, Mickey Mitchell.

Mickey Mitchell with Bucky Fuller and John Christi

Michael (Mickey) Mitchell (left) standing next to Bucky and John Christy. Mickey bought the Dome from Fuller in 1973.

Jon Davey speaking at the Landmarks Illinois Presentation

Saving Bucky's Home

Fuller Dome Preservation Launch

Architect of Record Thad Heckman's Field Notes

Thomas Zung, Allegra Fuller, Thad Heckman, Bill Perk

Stephen Shauwecker volunteering on a spring day. Maintenance of the dome is done all by volunteers.

Thad Heckman Board Member and Preservation Architect

Team members having fun at the Dymaxion Days Event

Elberta and Joe Clinton with Ed Cook, Board Member and Preservation Contractor

Thomas Zung at US Patent Office

Ben Lowder with Allegra Fuller

Ben Lowder with Allegra Fuller at Edwardsville Dome

Brent Ritzel and Tootie Wesselmann

Janet Donaghue

The restoration of Bucky and Anne Fullers Dome home has been a labor of love and dedication.

Meet our Board Members

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Coolest address around

Cary O'Dell, John Shannon, Ed Cook

Bill Perk, Thad Heckman, and Ed Cook taking it all in - Look at what we've done!

Phase Two completion signing!

Phase Three

  • Restore the interior of the dome with original furniture, decore and artifacts.

  • Open the dome as a Home Museum, offering exhibits, tours, and educational programming.

  • Launch the first Artist/Scholar-in-Residence Program.

  • Open the Buckminster Fuller Learning and Interpretive Center.

We are eager to move on to Phase Three but currently the funding is not. We need to promote Bucky's vision now more than ever. Be a part of something great in a world that really needs it now.

How Can You Help?

Right now there are two ways you can help support the completion of the restoration and continuing maintainance of the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home. We have an online store where 100% of the proceeds go to the restoration and maintainance of the Dome. You can donate directly with a PayPal Donation option. Any donation would be greatly appreciated and will help us keep this amazing treasure accessible to the public.

Be a part of preserving Bucky Fuller's Dome Home and his Legacy