Physical Structure

The biggest impediment to occupying Canada’s North is the climate. It’s so obvious it sounds stupid to say, and yet with appropriate technological tools, this impediment can be turned into an advantage. The first advantage is the possibility of controlling the biosphere. This Proposal is based on the premise that the entire city would be covered with a barrier to the external climate. In practice, this would take the form of an inflated fabric cover in the shape of a round dome or collection of domes. Since the largest dome is likely to be several kilometers in diameter, only an inflatable structure is feasible. Such structures, albeit not on this scale, are common. Golf domes are one ubiquitous example. Perhaps the most extreme example is the expandable space structure “BEAM” being developed by http://bigelowaerospace.com/.

The city would take the form of several linked domes. The largest would likely be the residential dome, with smaller ones dedicated to industrial and agricultural purposes. The ultimate configuration might be to have twelve agricultural domes, so that a full season would be simulated in each while maintaining a steady supply of products from all seasons. These agricultural domes could also have recreational space in each, allowing sports and physical pursuits appropriate to all seasons. Industrial domes might be placed in a separate area, and the power dome would be at the greatest distance, but close enough to supply hot water to all the other domes.

Each inflatable dome would be secured to a concrete perimeter wall. This wall would incorporate access doors sufficiently large to permit the entry and exit of large cargo carriers, as well as human-sized portals. Reasonable efforts would need to be made to seal the perimeter structure as well as the ground itself. However, extreme measures would not be necessary. The large enclosed volume (15 – 45 cu km) would act as a substantial buffer for any minor leaks in the system. Several large blowers around the perimeter would maintain the very minor pressure differential required to keep the fabric cover in place. It is likely that air locks would be unnecessary, as long as doors are not left open for long periods of time.

Interior lighting would be supplied by an array of high-intensity, high-efficiency luminaires aimed at the inside of the dome fabric. If these light sources are LEDs, then colours would be adjusted throughout the day to simulate the changing lighting of a more temperate area.

The enclosed spaces would be heated to temperatures appropriate to the area’s purposes. Residential areas would be maintained at shirt-sleeve temperatures, with variations throughout the day. Agricultural areas would track temperate seasons, and industrial areas could be any temperature that is conducive to the processes taking place.

Within each dome, buildings would be constructed with no concern for weather protection. Walls would only need to supply sound insulation and structural support. However, roofs are still likely to be necessary. Based on experience at the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, it is likely that a micro-climate would form, possibly with rain and breezes. Further research is merited in this area.

It is proposed that residential density be kept quite low on average – perhaps as low as in a modern suburban city such as Newmarket Ontario. The initial target is about 2000 people per square kilometre. This leads to a residential dome diameter of 8 to 12 km. Support domes could be substantially smaller, unless the agricultural domes are required to support livestock.

Clearly the volumes of concrete and fabric required are enormous. For example, a 8 km dome would require about 100 square kilometres of fabric. Larger domes make more efficient use of materials, so there are distinct advantages to using fewer but larger domes.

Lastly, it is assumed that there would be no significant use of combustion engines within the domes. A combination of efficient public transit and small electric vehicles would address personal and goods transport.

Resources

The Farley Group: http://thefarleygroup.com

Bigelow Aerospace: http://bigelowaerospace.com/

Under the Dome: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/under-the-dome-1958-plan-for-iqaluit-was-town-under-concrete-shell-1.2763922

Proposal Paper for Under the Dome: http://polarpilots.ca/images/stories/docs/Frobisher%20Bay%20plan1958.pdf

Revive Diefenbaker’s Northern Vision: http://canadianpatriot.org/revive-diefenbakers-northern-vision/