Moonrise

Chattanooga, TN

Ultra-thin, Self-supported, Aluminum Place Making Structure

Design + Computation by MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY.

All images are copyrighted by THEVERYMANY x Keith Isaacs (No use or reproduction allowed without written authorization).

Located at the Wheland Foundry Trailhead in Chattanooga’s Tennessee Riverpark, Moonrise is a lightweight dome structure that serves as both a community hub and an architectural landmark. Designed with meticulous attention to material economy, it maximizes spatial impact while minimizing resource use. Integrating seamlessly into the natural surroundings, Moonrise offers a shaded, open-air gathering space that encourages visitors to pause, connect, and engage with the park on new terms.

"Doing More With Less": A Contemporary Take on Fuller’s Legacy. Inspired by Buckminster Fuller’s design philosophy of “doing more with less,” Moonrise pushes the boundaries of structural efficiency and aesthetic innovation. The dome’s assembly is a double layer shell composed of 4,409 custom-fabricated aluminum strips, each just 3mm thick, held together by 95,095 rivets. This interlocking structure creates a rigid, expansive form capable of covering a large area with minimal material—an achievement that reflects Fuller’s ideals but also explores new potentials of formal expression through advanced computational design.

Community Impact and Spatial Dynamics

Moonrise is more than a shelter; it is a space where art and functionality converge, offering park-goers an inviting area for gathering, rest, and reflection. The dome’s organic curves and complex latticework create a dynamic play of light and shadow, enhancing the visual experience and establishing an intimate yet open atmosphere. This interplay between light, form, and spatial economy marks Moonrise as a thoughtful addition to Chattanooga’s park system, elevating the urban landscape while honoring sustainable design principles. By balancing beauty and economy, Moonrise serves as a model of contemporary public art that is both impactful and resource-conscious, adding lasting value to the community fabric.