Buckyballs anyone?
No, seriously, a Buckyball also known as a Buckminsterfullerene is a molecule composed of carbon shaped in the form of a geodesic dome. The Geodesic Dome is an architectural structure made famous by Buckminster Fuller who was a futurist who would have been right at home with Fringe. Fuller, nicked named “Bucky” by his friends and colleagues, was keen on the scientific method and a proponent of scientific observation. And where would Fringe be without Observers right?
So why do I bring up good ol’ Bucky and the Geodesic Dome? Where have we seen one recently? See below.
Yes, my friends, in the background of this season four cast photo is not a bubble as some would call it but a Geodesic Dome. Why the fascination with the dome? Well, it is not the first time Fringe has used this structure. If we look back to season three episode 20 AKA “6:02 AM EST” we find the Geodesic Dome prominently featured in the background of the below screen grab.
New mother Olivia from the Red Universe is walking baby Henry by a Geodesic Dome. Between them and the Dome are people practicing Tai-Chi. I was going to do a post on this on tumblr but never got around to it. But I saved the photo because who knows when you might need a Fringe related Geodesic Dome Reference? Now is the time!
So why the Dome? A handy background from Vancouver? A salute to a futurist Buckminster Fuller who was a Fringee before his time? And what of the Tai-Chi? People seeking peace in times of turmoil? How clever are the set directors of Fringe? Very.
Your thoughts? What is the meaning of the Dome and why is it so prominently featured in the season four promo pictures?
It could be a ‘pocket’ universe — perhaps one that was created when Peter build the bridge and essentially fused the red and blue universes together, There does seem to be a law of the multiverse that universes exist in pairs. So when the red/blue became a single universe, maybe another universe, a pocket universe, sprung up to pair up with it.
On the other hand, it may be a force-field that has been build to isolate the bridge. After all, without Peter, no one knows that destroying one universe results in the destruction of the other. So the Red and Blue worlds may be at war, with each side feeling the need to build a defensive shield against invasion by the other.
I like your idea of the “Pocket Universe”. Buckminster Fuller helped popularize the concept of “Spaceship Earth”. Perhaps the dome represents the idea of two universes joined as one. A living breathing entity that must coexist to survive.
Well , I guess there is already a third universe “Yellow” , back in S2 Walternat’s office had 3 colors blue red yellow at the wall . and Walter was right .. the 2 universes blue and red are linked to each other .. which suggest that the bridge is already there between the 2 sides … Peter only opened that bridge not created or build it .. hence he said ” i turned holes between universes a bridge” he didn’t say i created or build it .
So , the third universe is the side of the observers and the origin of Olivia !! ,
The origin of Olivia??? Where did that come from!!?? Do you know something we don’t? Don’t forget all the bridge pictures we see in the background of various settings.
The shiny geodesic sphere and minimalist landscape from the Fringe Promo pics reminded me right away of the Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie in Paris and the surrounding Parc de la Villette, both built in the 80s. The sphere there is referred to as “La Geode” and contains an Imax theater. I encourage a quick Google image search for comparison.
Jersey City also has a metallic sphere attached to its science museum, The Liberty Science Center, but most photos I’ve seen of it are drab and muted. It is located conveniently close to Liberty Island. The Rose Center/ Hayden Planetarium in Manhattan also has a giant sphere in what appears to be a glass cube building, however I don’t think it is a geodesic structure.
I don’t think the use in these images is meant to be literal or foreshadowing any more than the rabbit hole/ Alice in Wonderland imagery from season 2 promos were, meaning I don’t expect the season to actually take place in a spherical structure. The geodesic sphere still has an air of futurism about it even after all these decades and so it makes a great short hand for letting a casual observer know that this is a sci-fi show and also its makes a nice symbol for separate world/ alternate earth. I think the most well known image of such a sphere is the Spaceship Earth at Epcot Center in Disney World. As a kid i would see that image and thick “Science!” Probably why it seems to get attached to so many science museums.
Thanks for the well thought out reply jocutus. I’ve been to the dome at Epcot and the one in Montreal also. Both filled me with wonder and awe. Each a futuristic vehicle for a science fiction tableau such as Fringe. Perhaps the dome is symbolic of something unassailable on the outside but astonishing on the inside.
Following up on @joctutus thoughts I did a little research on Wikipedia where it is noted that in 2007 the “time machine” vehicles now have an interactive screen where riders can choose their vision of the future. Hmm….
We happen to have two of these domes purchased while on vacation in 2000. With a twist of the wrist you can divide the geodesic dome in half, the inside of the dome is a perfect spot for storing memorabilia and other treasures.
Thanks for the extra research “Gawbosawx” I like the idea preserving memories within the “domes”. Perhaps it is all a subtle clue of how Peter will be re-introduced.
I love the buckyballs comparison! The geodesic dome really fires the imagination in these promo pics.
Not only is the allusion to Spaceship Earth (both Bucky’s and Disney’s) an apt one, I chuckled a little since Buckyballs are a really cool desk toy — magnetized balls that share a strangely strong bond and can be molded to the operator’s whim. Could the producers be *playing* with us a bit?
The geodesic dome also reminded me of the artist Salvador Dali, whose museums in the US and Spain feature geodesic domes and architecture.
This gigantic link takes you to an image of his St. Petersburg, FL museum and it’s weird Fringe-amber-ish geodesic facade:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.architecture-view.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/salvador-dali-museum-glasses-dome.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.architecture-view.com/2011/01/19/new-salvador-dali-museum-sustainable-design-in-florida/salvador-dali-museum-glasses-dome/&h=333&w=500&sz=199&tbnid=4RS9TJIg_ZEy6M:&tbnh=93&tbnw=140&prev=/search%3Fq%3Ddali%2Bmuseum%2Bdome%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=dali+museum+dome&docid=qVxP2d-axt7-wM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=h55mTriLM8PLgQetn-2JCg&ved=0CDQQ9QEwAA
There’s a more traditional dome atop the Spain museum.
Incidentally, Dali’s most recognizable work is “The Persistence of Memory,” in which flacid, flopping watches drape over a surreal landscape — sort of a no-man’s land.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Persistence_of_Memory
Very cool!
Very cool indeed Trish. I have no doubt the writers are having a little fun at our expense. I seem to remember the writers of “Lost” doing the same thing. Let’s hope Fringe has a better endgame. (But not too soon!)
I like your inclusion of Dali’s work. We’ll have to be on the lookout for clock imagery. When I followed the link to the painting for some reason it invoked memories of Walter. I’ll have to think on that some more. Maybe your surreal landscape is the space between two universes where time stands still, Peter is trapped and the Observers hang out.
I like “The Persistence Of Memory” allusion, and I agree with Inter-dimensional Dave that it makes you think about timelessness and the Observers.
Speaking of Observers, I thought this new promo poster was very interesting:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2011/09/new-fringe-poster-new-beginning-new-dimensions/
But, back on topic. I was looking through all the individual photos, and Peter’s picture was the only one that had a small dome. Everyone else’s photo had a rather large dome. He is also the only one who is standing still. I don’t know if that has any significance, but I thought I’d mention it. I know the writers probably don’t have much influence on the marketing department, but you never know.
Individual photos:
http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20302134_20525003,00.html#21049412
Thanks for the contributions Devynn. The writers and the marketing departments probably don’t communicate much but under the aegis of Pinker and Wyman I have no doubt that everyone is on the same page. It seems to me everything they do has some meaning to it.
As for Peter’s picture, there are some subtle differences between all the pictures (take a close look at Altlivia’s) but you are right about Peter’s being distinctive. He doesn’t have the purposeful stride that everyone else has. Do the firmly planted feet mean he is grounded? Or does it mean he is stuck while the others are moving forward?
I do not have any theories, but this is a really cool Blog Post. I will be putting a little “google time” into this. I do not have a very strong scientific background (we’re talking middle school level at best), but all of this stuff gets me excited.
Can’t wait for season 4 and to hear the feedback/theories on the podcast!
No theories needed @ Wesley Mr Sharper Thomas we’re happy to have you aboard. Thanks for the reply and we hope to hear from you again!
Geodesic domes remind me of one thing – bacterial microcompartment, which is the subject of my PhD.
I will be delusional that this is a shoutout to me by Wyman and Pinkner.