Designer dome

Todd Events shows that a dome can be a stunning choice for any party.

When a client wanted an iconic tent, event design firm Todd Events of Dallas, Texas, didn’t just source a tent. They bought one.

And not just any tent, either. A geodesic dome nearly 100 feet in diameter, with a center height of 50 feet.

“I love watching the wonder on people’s faces as they step into this tent,” says Josh Madans, director of marketing and business development for Todd Events. “Most guests walk into tents with barely a thought. This dome is a ‘Wow!’ statement all by itself.”

Domes are common choices for marketing campaigns and eco-tourism. But they also offer a space for the high-end weddings, charitable functions and corporate events that are Todd Events’ specialty, Madans says.

“As a company we are known for our design and decor services, particularly room and environment transformations,” he says. “So the dome tent is the perfect clean slate to get our imagination going and for us to create.”

The dome shape creates some design opportunities that aren’t found in a rectangular tent, he says, especially the use of projection technology as a more predominate design feature. For an after-party at a Fort Worth, Texas, country club, guests moved from the reception in the club to the dome, which was installed on the golf course.

“The course topography was cast onto the tent with lighting, making for an amazing visual,” Madans says. “Inside, guests danced the night away to featured performer Jon Bon Jovi.”

Todd Events’ dome accommodates about 1,000 standing guests, 680 people when row seating is employed, 500 for seated tables and 550 for a standing buffet.

“The geometry within the structure itself almost dictates the use of equilateral triangles and circles, as opposed to 4-by-8-foots or everything at a right angle,” he says.

The only design challenge the company has discovered is a bit of acoustic bounce when the tent is empty, Madans says.

“We have tackled this challenge by utilizing a carpeted floor and have used strategically-placed triangular acoustic panels around the perimeter of the room,” he says. “The panels are white and simply disappear into the tent skin.”

With manufacturer and engineering documentation in hand, the company hasn’t had any issues with permitting or local inspectors being wary of the structure.

In the end, the architecture of the dome draws clients to choose it as a space for their event, Madans says.

“Once inside the dome, there is an ethereal feeling that is amazing to experience,” he says.