Embracing curvilinear constructions, these examples of domed design pay tribute to the ancient architectural element. With its strong resemblance to a sphere's upper, hollow half, the element has been a design favourite throughout history and built out of various material mediums.
Spherical ceiling architecture, orb-shaped automobiles and curvilinear furnishings are just some of these many and impressive examples of domed design. Often a staple of Middle Eastern architecture and a symbol of retro futurism, the dome is synonymous with religious themes or otherworldly sci-fi imagery.
Whether representing a godly architectural aesthetic or painting a clean and streamlined vision of the coming future, the structural element evokes a sense of organic movement that opposes the stiff and two-dimensional quality of linear constructions.
70 Examples of Domed Design
From Modernized MOD Fashions to Orbed Architectural Constructions:
Jana Pijak — Nov 20, 2013 — Autos
70
Ballooning Eco Abodes
These 'Binishells' Structures Bring the Hobbit Shire to Sustainable Reality
69
Eco Domed Abodes
The Solaleya Pearl Dwelling Embraces Passive Energy Practices
68
Portable Wooden Huts
Robust Outdoor Brands' POD Houses Make for Eco-Friendly Camping
67
Melodic Folding Campers
The Opera Trailer by Axel Enthoven is a Stylish Way to Travel
66
Cosmic Orbital Chronographs
The Tourbillon Black Hole Wristwatch Defines Time and Space
65
Sheltered Enclosure Pods
The Abri-Boca Lounge Chair Design Contains a Collapsible Shell
64
Giant Sheathed Domes
iGuzzini Headquarters by MiAS Architects is a Spectacular Structure
63
Arched Geometry Structures
The Roskilde Dome Pavilion is Home to the Danish Music Festival
62
Snow Shelter Resorts
The POD Hotel by Robust Outdoor Brands is Comfy and Compact
61
Jewel-Cut Concept Cars
The EXO NURBS Vehicle Revisits Dymaxion Design for Superior Strength
60
Lotus Solar Desalinators
The Waterdome Desalination Plant Replicates and Respects Nature
59
Curvaceously Shaped Structures
The People’s Meeting Dome Sparks Design Discussions
58
Chic 60s Chapeaus
These Shapobaa Hat Designs Marry Retro and Modern Concepts
57
Utensil-Inspired Illuminators
The Spoon Variations Lights Make Fitting Fixtures for Your Kitchen
56
Visually Stimulating Shelving
The Gradient Cabinet by Ka-Lai Chan Partially Hides Objects Up Top
55
Space Colony Architecture
RFM FM Radio Station Headquarters, Poland
54
Domed Sea Creature Structures
This University of Stuttgart Pavilion was Inspired by Biology
53
Decoupage-Like Seating
The Fase #3 Stool by Bernardita Marambio B. is Eco-Friendly
52
Upcycled Umbrella Artwork
The Stunning 'Harvest Dome 2.0' Floats Along the Water in New York City
51
Transparent-Topped Autos
The Honda Puyo Concept Car Offers an Uninterrupted Outdoor View
50
Wild Wheeled Furnishings
The Tire Table Enhances Spaces with an Eccentric Automotive Aesthetic
49
Geodesic Dining Tables
The Web Table Expands Beyond the Simplicity of the Typical Eating Surface
48
Whimsical Watery Urbanism
'City on the Sea' Imagines a Shanghai that Embraces Rising Shores
47
Sci-Fi Pool Pavilions
The Aquarena Aqua Leisure Center Embodies its Futuristic Inspiration
46
Geometric Dome Structures
The King's Cross Train Station Redevelopment is Dynamically Designed
45
Glass-Domed Subway Stops
The New York Fulton Street Station Provides Commuters with Natural Light
44
Doubly Geometric Lighting
Dancing Squares Lamps by Nendo are Delicately Sculptural
43
Dynamically Domed Structures
The Win Changzhou Culture Centre is China's Next Landmark
42
Portable Jungle Gyms
The Easy Outdoor Geodescent Space Dome is Fun for Your Kids
41
Spherical Coral Concert Halls
The (a) Ball Auditorium is Enclosed by Polyps that Disseminate Sound
40
Mega-Domed Islands
The Havvada Island by Dror Benshetrit is Structural Marvel
39
Domed Ceiling Bookshelves
The Wade Davis Writing Studio Boasts a Sky-High Library
38
Tab Light Brighteners
The Vinge Table Lamp Has an Intensity Switch that Swivels 180 Degrees
37
Geodesic Domed Lodges
The Loveland Farms Offers Pod Accommodations for Creative People
36
Picnic-Improving Contraptions
W.E.T. Beacon Improves Park Atmospheres by Harnessing Sun and Rain
35
Bread-Making Toys
Dough Globe by Mint Digital Ferments Yeast Culture in a Playful Way
34
Powerful Wind-Proof Tents
The Cave by Frackenpohl Poulheim is Robust and Easy to Set Up
33
Sweet Treat Protection
'Cupcase' Individual Cupcake Carriers Prevent Damage and Contamination
32
Sphere-Shielded Desks
The Sphere Table Allows You to Protect Your Personal Space
31
Domed Plant Marvels
The Thousand Bloom Chrysanthemum is a Sight to Behold
30
Ergonomic Student Seating
The 'Ray' School Chair Design is Meant to Improve Posture in Class
29
Massive Monument Installations
Anish Kapoor's Cathedral-like Installation in Paris is Incredible
28
Serving Platter Zappers
The Domo-Wave Microwave Was Made to Better Match the Dishes
27
Arboreal Tech Company HQs
The Amazon Biosphere Office Would House People and Plants
26
Retro Militant Collages
The Bunker Series by Maria Martinez-Canas and Rafael Domenech
25
Geodesic Walking Pod Robots
Scott Parenteau's Walking Pod is a Heavy but Graceful Robot
24
Spherical Privacy Work Tables
The Vitra Sphere Table Helps to Conceal Those Working
23
Floating Orb Archiecuture
The National Art Museum by MAD Architects Design is Otherworldly
22
Timber Mosaic Tubs
The Stone Pixel Soaker Marries Glossy Crystalplant with Textural Wood Grain
21
Tortoise Shell Domes
The Carapace by Arnaldo Pomodoro is Reptilian in Design
20
Spherical Wire Seating
The Nest Chair By Kirv Features an Unconventional Aesthetic
19
Immersive Igloo-Like Installations
PODS by Danielle Tay Provides Topographical Atmospheres Within
18
Multimedia Material Presses
The Steam B Iron Removes Wrinkles and Busts Beats
17
Cluttered Literature Sculptures
The Writer's Block Library Shows Where Unfinished Ideas Go to Wait
16
Fabulous Fish Scale Additions
Studio Extension Fuses Traditional Brick with Technicolor Tectonics
15
Minimalist Jellyfish-Like Lighting
The Medusa Lamp by Thomas Merlin Boasts a Simple Silhouette
14
Glass-Domed Lighting
Ligne Roset's Chantal Table Lamp Resembles a Jellyfish
13
Egg-Shaped Automobiles
The uCar by Garcia-Verdugo Makes the One Man Commute More Eco-Friendly
12
Orb-Shaped Ovens
The Microwave SymB Heats Your Meals in a Revolutionary Way
11
Realistic Racing Simulators
The SimRoom SimPod 1 Provides an Immersive Gaming Experience
10
Melon-Protecting Pillows (UPDATE)
The Hövding Airbag Collar is a Couture and Practical Helmet
9
Domed Desktop Illuminators
The Light Drop Lamp from Pulpo is a Fresh Take on Retro Design
8
Whimsical Sculptural Chronographs
The Fable Mantle Clock is Inspired by Vintage Objects
7
Illusionary Cleaning Covers
The Vaulot & Dyevre 'Edition Cinna' Fantome Collection Hides
6
Figurine-Infused Fixtures
The Favorite Things Pendant Lamp Features Cute and Simply Scenes
5
Nature-Recreated Printing
MIT's 'Biological Silkworm 3D Printer' is Something to Marvel
4
Peeping Rain Protectors
The Submarine Umbrellas Let Users Indulge in a Little Practical Fantasy
3
Organically Domed Religious Structures
The Pristina Central Mosque by OODA is Monumental
2
Green-Domed Gyms
The $24-Million North Lincolnshire Sports Academy is Spectacular
1
Office Supply Municipalities
The Staple City Product Imitates Metropolitan Skylines
Related Ideas
Mysterious Avant-Garde Photography
Le Desert B by Mikel Muruzabal is a Tribute to Jean Giraud
Surreal Ball Gown Photography
The Hian Tjen Ballgown Editorial Will Have You Lusting for a Gala
Eco Urban Tree Houses
These High-Tech Tree Houses Bring Green Shelter to Urban Areas
Retro-Modern Office Hubs
The Intimo Secretary from CB2 is a Fresh Take on Vintage Design
Cutting-Edge Transforming Subcompacts
The MONO EV Evolves Automatically to Meet Street Conditions
Symbolic Lighting Fixtures
Edison Light Mimics the Iconic Look of the Original Incandescent Bulb
Touchscreen Skyrise Apartments
Monaco's Odeon Tower Will Feature Advance Architecture and Services
Whimsical Orb Lighting
The Clear Light by Siyu Huang and Jiahui Song is Powered by Saline Water
Papercraft Table Racks
The Origami Table's Folded Surface Forms a Flexible Storage Solution
Electricity-Powered Subcompacts
The Future Personal Transportation System Encourages Eco Commuting
Drawstring Side Tables
The Line Up Table Combines Resourceful Functionality and Composition
Origami Wallpaper Sculptures
These Textured Paper Art Installations Utilize Origami Structures
Mixed Material Furnishings
Designer Josie Morris Creates Minimalist Home Decor
Pumpkin-Inspired Pop-Up Shops
Yayoi Kusama Collaborates on the 12 Louis Vuitton by THEVERYMANY
Haute Headgear Editorials
The UK Vogue Cut to the Chase Photoshoot Features High End Hats
Royal Tartan Runways
The Moschino Fall 2013 Collection is an Ode to British Guards
Futuristic Disco Ball Installations
Fluidic by WhiteVOID is a Mesmerizing Hybrid Artwork
Minimal Multi-Functional Tables
The Pebble Table by Mikhail Belyaev is a Utilitarian Product
Sleek Compartmentalized Tables
This Remix Collection Table is Stunning and Saves Space
Grayscale 70s-Inspired Photoshoots
The Dujour Magazine Spring 2013 Editorial Stars Hilary Rhoda
Instruction-Less Building Block Kits
The LEGO Architecture Studio Lets People Decide What to Build
Incredible Cosplay Resident Photography
Klaus Pichler Captured Cosplay Enthusiasts at Home
Retail Warehouse Photography
Amazon Unpacked Reveals the Retailers Behind the Scenes
Playground Punk-Infused Photography
'Toxic V' by Christian Ingrosso Has a Colorful Blue-Hued Theme
Sound Sustainability Superstructures
Soundscrapers Could Be the Future’s Noise Pollution Sol
Transforming Tail Vehicles
The Laminar 3 Concept Car Conforms to Changing Driving Conditions
Compact Commuter Cars
The Agile Eel Electric Vehicle Can Meander in and Out of Traffic
Vibrantly Blocky Installations
The Sretenka Sculptures by Matt W Moore Brighten Up Moscow Streets
Art Deco-Inspired Lighting
The Novecento Marble Lamp by Davide G Aquini Uses Unorthodox Materials
Giant Space Suit Installations
'Mother Earth Sister Moon' is Home to a Fashion and Design Show
Transparent Honeycomb Structures
Honey Scape by X-REF Embraces Geometric Elements
Faux Floating Homes
The Two Islands Mark's House is Made to Appear as If It is Mid-Air
Timeless Stone Residences
The Cassell Street House is Inspired by Byzantine Buildings
Zorb-Like Urban Trikes
The Bemoove Tricycle is an Agile City Vehicle with a 360-Degree View
Illusory Imploding Interiors
'PuLSaTe' Uses Op-Art Architecture to Create a Captivating Showroom
Skeletal Ripple Structures
The Mosque Amir Al-Momenin is Designed with Sustainability in Mind
Sleek Robotic Depictions
Orlando Arocena's Digital Robot Vector Art is Full of Depth
Cyclical Growth Garden Structures
The Eco-Aquaponic House Prototype by Michael Jantzen is Sleek
Elegant Teardrop Illuminators
Stalasso Pendant Lamp Draws All Sides of the Room Down to One Point
Luminous Cubed Artwork
Keith Lemley Luma Creates Sculptures and Structures Involving Light
Sturdy See-Through Homes
The Rio Bonito House Features Clear Beams of Glass
Painted Cement Installations
Pool, The Alchemy of Blue by Lizzie Buckmaster Dove Explores Erosion
Fighter Jet-Inspired Lighting
The Stealth Lamp by Timothy Ben Furniture is Barely Perceptible
Contemporary Statement Lamps
The Freyja Sewell Lighting Collection is Full of Artistic Designs
Industrial-Style Illuminators
The Sputnik Filament Floor Lamp Provides Light in a Stylish Way
Cascading Chromatic Canvases
Peter Struycken's Netherland Architecture Institute Display is Vivid
Construction Material Artworks
Artist Maggie Haas Explores Idea of Transition and Impermanence
Utensil-Infused Tables
The Let's Eat! Table Has Legs Designed to Look Like Utensils
3D Printed DJ Cufflinks
These Music-Inspired Headphone Links are Classy and Chic
Webbed Angular Architecture
The Hewlett House by MPR Design Group Epitomizes Modern Ideals
Entangled Occasional Tables
The Puntada Coffee Table Takes Shape with a Lattice of Threaded String
Curvy Smartphones
The Bionic Silkworm Smoothly Integrates Phone and Tablet Technologies
Compact Communal Ottomans
Gaming Table Separates to Reveal Four Seats and a Recreational Surface
Tiny Table Tennis
The Ping Pong by Huzi Design is a Playful and Flexible Surface for All
Phallic-Shaped Skyscrapers
The Headquarters for People's Daily Newspaper is Sexually Suggestive
Cable-Bound Illuminators
The Super-Lite Classic Lamp Gets its Lampshade from its Lengthy Cord
Solar Vineyard House Concepts
This Winery Design by Michael Jantzen is Sleek and Sustainable
Quilled Ceiling Lights
The Match by Vibia Invites a Chaotic Custom Installation
Sculptural Storage Tables
The Toi Table is a Beautiful Piece of Furniture with Storage
Spectacular Sci-Fi Structures
Adam Ryder Creates a Sci-Fi Fantasy World in his New Art Project
Motorcycle-Inspired Automobiles
The Toyota i-Road Offers the Maneuverability Without the Exposure
Open-Air Subcompacts
The Renault Sunny Concept Car Bridges the Gap Between Biking and Driving
Sound-Infused Illuminators
The Filippo Speaker/Lamp by ZE123 Collective is Cleverly Disguised
Scrap Metal Surf Shacks
The Third Wave Kiosk in Australia by Tony Hobba Architects Reclaims Waste
Curly Glass Chandeliers
De Majo's Ciocca Black Chandelier is a Striking Light Fixture
Liberally Hung Illuminators
The Adaptable Mothership Lamp Produces an Even or Asymmetrical Glow
Pudgy Pendant Lamps
The Delightful Stasis Lamp Has Been Assembled in a Snowman-Like Arrangement
Gelato-Inspired Illuminators
The Ice Cream Lamp from Fred Flare is Deliciously Bright
Origami-Like Wood Lighting
The Folded Lamp Series by Ariel Zuckerman Looks Completely Carved
Seemingly Swaying Illuminators
The Swing Light Bulb Design by YOY Incorporates Optical Illusion
Headless Teddy Bear Lamps
This Teddy Bear Lamp is a Furry Bedroom Accessory
Tiny Tourist Autos
The AA ewind is Intended to Take Out-of-Towners Around the City
Lovely Lunar Illuminators
The 'Moon Night Light' Adds the Beauty of the Night Sky to Your Room
Adjustable Ergonomic Chairs
The Steelcase Gesture is an Adaptable Body Support Seat
Symbolic Sanctuary Architecture
The New Church of Valer References Religion in Form and Concept
Spinning Toy-Inspired Lighting
The Spun Floor Lamp is a Whimsical Take on Traditional Lighting
Crystallized Copper Illuminators
The Overnight Lighting Collection by Odd Matter is Boldly Organic
Contemporary Sci-Fi Churches
The Chapel at Discovery Bay by Danny Cheng is Futuristic
Stone-Like Fiberglass Furniture
The Nebula Coffee Table Has a Futuristic Organic Aesthetic
Sporty Breakfast Tables
The Foosball Coffee Table Lets You Score Goals and Sip Joe
Dinsaur-Modeled Homes
The Jurgen Mayer H OLS House is Shaped Like Ancient Creatures
Stacked Rectangular Structures
The Statoil Regional and International Offices Displays Futurism
Neo-Retro Glass-Blown Lighting
The Lampiones by Violaine d’Harcourt is Sleek and Colorful
Bold Buttoned Illuminators
The Sophie Wooden Desk Lamps Mix Timber Craftsmanship with Textiles
Insect-Inspired Building Techniques
MIT Research Allows Silkworm Mimicked 3D Printed Architecture
Vine-Resembling Rest Stations
This Design Takes an Extravagant Take on the Traditional Metal Arbor
Minimalist Spectrum Captures
These Colored Images by Fleur van Dodewaard Embrace Simplicity
Newsstand Side Tables
The Tabloid Coffee Table Integrates an Upright Slot for Magazine Storage
Caffeine-Inspired Lighting
These Coffee Lights are an Adorable Way to Showcase Your Favorite Drink
Electric Parisian Penthouses
Mathieu Lehanneur's ArchitectureUses Electrical Cables
Leather and Concrete Decor
The EKDESIGN Product/Furniture Collection References Ancient Techniques
Minimalist Chandelier Illuminators
The Neverending Glory Collection by Lasvit is Understated
Vibrantly Painted Soil
Artist Katharina Grosse Creates a Colorfully Engrossing Experience
Spiraling Contemporary Tables
The Reverence Coffee Table Uncurls from a Single Circular Panel
Number-Inspired Table Lamps
The 8light by Dongsung Jung is Conveniently Curvaceous
3D Printed Headpieces
These Hats Designed by Elvis Pompilio Are 3D Printed and Overtly Ornate
Art Installation Photoblogs
The Installator Tumblr Shows the Painstaking Process of Exhibit Setups
Funny Funneled Gardening Gear
The Flower Watering Pot Opens Up as Blossoms to Draw Rainwater
Delicate Petal Lighting
The Plume Lamp by Constance Guisset is Softly Contemporary
Monogram Wool Caps
The Class Room Wool Hats Hit Houston By Storm
Smartphone-Inspired Zappers
The Nokia Microwave Oven Has a Cellphone-Like Touchscreen Interface
Fashionable Japanese Fixtures
The Juuyo Lamp Has Pretty Peach Flowers Painted on the Inside
Perfectly Pixelated Art
Existing Prints are Rearranged into Pixelated Modern Art
Cubic Shadow-Casters
The Darkness Becomes Just as Important as the Light with Think Lanterns
Flying Sanitation Bots
The ‘Mab’ Automated Cleaning System Cleans for You
Minimalist Capsule Illuminators
The LightBean lamp by Katerina Kopytina is Easily Customized
Accordian-shaped Homes
The Fujiwaramuro Architects House in Sayo is Modeled Like an Instrument
Cutting-Edge Rental Coupes
The BeeHive Concept Cuts Down on Congestion and Increases Convenience
Pop-Up Seaside Libraries
Matali Crasset's Beach Library Concept Features 300 Titles to Choose From
Tipping Hat Lamps
The Jeeves Hat Table Lamp References an Old Search Engine
Minimalist Orb Illuminators
The Lunaire Wall Lamp by Ferreol Babin is Customizable
Saddle-Like Lighting
The Zigzag Grandma Lamp by Nico Goebel is Made Out of Cardboard
Task-Handling Aquatic Robots
This Robot Fish Can Dive, Float and Explore Like Any Aquatic Animal
Spectacular Honeycombed Sculptures
Tomas Libertiny's Organic Art is Created by Bees
Minimalist Orb Lamps
The twentytwentyone 2013 Lighting Collection is Glowingly Quirky
Swimming Pool Paintings
Kristen Martincic Abstractly Depicts a Summertime Hotspot
Pencil Shaving Furnishings
The Giotto Coffee Table Has a Crafty and Nostalgic Flair
Lattice-Like Vault Architecture
This Idea for the Flinders Street Station Connects Past to Present
Minimalist Cutout Illuminators
The Bendino Lamp for Pulpo is Cleverly Cheeky
Wanderlust Globe Lighting
The Q-ball Connection Lamp is Made for Travel Junkies
Futuristic Portal-Like Lighting
The Skylight by INABA Responds to Norway's Atmospheric Conditions
Floating Waterproof Lamps
Illuminate Your Backyard with Waterproof Outdoor Lights
Futuristic Shapely Chandeliers
This Acrylic Cube Chandelier Design Mixes Geometry and Luxury
Glacier-Esque Museum Concepts
The Moscow Polytechnic Museum and Educational Centre is Icy
Stellar Iron Tables
This Starburst Console Table is Safe for Exterior and Interior Use
DIY Responsive Robotic Hands
Build Your Own Robotic Hand Using Simple Hardware Store Products
Bow-Bedecked Illuminators
The Rosett Lamp Adds a Girly Touch of Light to Any Room
Social Media Afterlife Platforms
The '_LIVESON' App Keeps Your Twitter After You're Gone
Card House Side Tables
This Card Players Nightstand is Perfect for Playing Games
French Filmstrip Photography
These Paris Portraits by Maurizio Galimberti Capture Passing TIme
Air-Freshening Carpet Bots
The 3F Vacuum Shoots Fresh Scents and Can be Controlled via Smartphone
Emotion Determining Apps
The 'Moodies' App Reads Voices to Accurately Determine Emotions
Winsome Wasp Illuminators
The Swarm Lamp Can Be Hung In Clusters to Mimic Colonies of Bees
Anonymizing Photo Apps
The Intimatic App Censors Your Photos to Keep You from Being Stalked
Stunning All-Transparent Tables
The Slot Table by Eric Pfeiffer Helps to Save Space
Sound-Exploratory Installations
Deaf Artist Christine Sun Kim Creates Work That Everyone Can Hear
Festive Hat Bottle Stoppers
The Sombrero Booze Hat is a Playful Way to Cork Your Drinks
Arboreal-Inspired Portraiture
The Series 'Temporary Trees' Asked Participants to Act Like Nature
Customizable Robot Designs
The Linkbot Custom Robot Helps People Learn About Robotics